DOT-Chain Defence Delivers 5,600 Drones Worth UAH 216 Million in First Month
In the first month of operation, the DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace developed by the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) enabled the delivery of 5,600 drones to frontline units. The total value of the equipment reached UAH 216 million.
“DOT-Chain Defence has become a platform where combat brigades can directly purchase different types of UAVs. At the moment, 12 brigades operating in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions are involved in the project. We are working on scaling and improving the marketplace. Our goal is clear: to build a system that helps our defenders receive everything they need, on time and in sufficient quantity,” said Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal.
The system operates like a typical online store, but instead of consumer electronics, service members browse and select drones. These purchases are funded by the Defence Procurement Agency and tailored to the unit’s operational needs.
“DOT-Chain Defence is a major breakthrough in how we supply the military. The results of the pilot phase clearly show the system is delivering on its promise. We’ve received a lot of feedback from service members about how effective the marketplace is. They’re able to choose drones tailored to specific missions and receive them in days instead of waiting for months. The system has strong potential to grow and support new areas of supply. It’s helping shape a modern approach that strengthens and builds on existing logistics,” said Arsen Zhumadilov, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency.
Since the first order was placed on July 31, the system has delivered the following results:
· The supply timeline has been reduced more than fivefold, shifting from months to just weeks.
· The average delivery time is now under two weeks, with the fastest case taking just five days from order placement to arrival at the frontline.
· Military units select the drones that match their operational needs. Right now, 151 models are available in the system.
· UAV manufacturers are actively joining the platform. The marketplace already features equipment from 25 companies, including AIR SKYLINE, Escadrone, Gurzuf Defence, Hunter, Lucky Strike, Nebo Peremogy, Quantum-Systems, SKYRIPER, TAF Drones, VAMPIRE, Vyriy Drone, Warbirds, General Cherry, Gryph, “VIK DEVIRO” LLC, “EDRONE” LLC, “Reactive Drones” LLC, “Sky Tactic” LLC, “UKRSPECSYSTEMS” LLC.
· Expanded inventory. In addition to FPV drones, the system now includes bomber drones, with heavy models already in use. The fastest delivery of this type reached the frontline in just 12 days.
Rising demand. Military units have already placed orders for more than 11,000 drones, with a total value of UAH 397 million.
To further improve DOT-Chain Defence, teams from the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) and the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) carried out three field visits, where they spoke directly with service members about how the weapons marketplace is working in practice. Based on their feedback, we are now expanding the system to onboard new brigades and broaden the range of available equipment. This includes additional types of UAVs, UGVs, electronic warfare (EW) equipment, electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems, and drone-delivered munitions.