Ukraine's Defense Agency Secures Record Drone Contract for Armed Forces.

Multicopter Procurement for Ukrainian Military

According to Novyny.live: Acting on behalf of the Ministry of Defense, the Defense Procurement Agency has contracted a record number of multicopters for Ukrainian forces in January and February 2023, surpassing last year's figures. The military is set to receive at least double the quantity of drones compared to the same period last year. This surge underscores the escalating battlefield demand for unmanned aerial vehicles to execute combat missions. The reliance on drones has become a defining feature of the conflict, with both sides employing them for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.

In February 2023, the volume of multicopter deliveries increased by 17% compared to January. Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, who also oversees drone procurement, noted that the military requires drones in large quantities because units regularly lose them during combat operations. A key task for the General Staff is ensuring the efficient distribution of this equipment among combat units so it rapidly reaches the areas of greatest need.

Plans for 2023

This year also involves plans to significantly increase purchases of key drone categories and strike assets, including:

• interceptor drones
• First-Person View (FPV) drones
• fiber-optic guided drones
• reconnaissance fixed-wing drones
• long-range strike drones

Minister Fedorov reported that an annual procurement plan has already been established to strengthen the Defense Forces. Among the drones being purchased are models like Mavic, Autel, and Matrice, which provide diverse capabilities for carrying out combat tasks.

This acceleration in multicopter procurement reflects the Ministry of Defense's strategic approach to equipping troops with modern technology, which is critically important given the ongoing hostilities. The growth in delivery volumes highlights the necessity for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to adapt to rapidly changing frontline conditions and to enhance the effectiveness of their combat operations.