Ukraine has taken significant strides toward automating its battlefield operations with the recent delivery of 100,000 first-person view (FPV) drones to frontline units. This milestone marks a substantial shift from the nation’s previous, cumbersome procurement processes to a more agile and efficient system known as the DOT-Chain Defence.
Under the DOT-Chain Defence initiative, combat units now have the ability to select the types of drones they require directly from a catalogue featuring over 180 models produced by 40 local manufacturers. This direct access allows units to choose specific payloads, video systems, and flight characteristics that align with their real-time operational needs, significantly streamlining the acquisition process.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted that approximately one-third of the initial batch of drones consists of fiber-optic FPVs. These drones are particularly valued for their resilience in the face of electronic warfare and their reliability in complex strike operations. Shmyhal emphasized that this development signifies not only technological advancement but also the dismantling of bureaucratic hurdles that have previously hampered efficient procurement.
In a marked departure from traditional procurement practices, the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Procurement Agency now manages payments, contracting, and logistics. This has drastically reduced the average delivery time for drones to about seven days—an essential adjustment for Ukraine’s high-intensity, attritional military engagements. Shmyhal described drones as the “eyes and weapons” of Ukrainian forces, underscoring the importance of maintaining rapid delivery systems as a continuous national priority.
The DOT-Chain Defence has become the cornerstone of the Ministry of Defence’s rapid-procurement strategy. This digitally orchestrated supply chain is designed to ensure the swift transition of unmanned systems from manufacturing facilities to frontline combat zones, minimizing the number of intermediary steps involved. Instead of relying on centralized bulk purchasing, specific brigades can place direct orders through a marketplace of approved domestic manufacturers. This approach ensures that the FPV drones supplied are tailored to meet the unique needs of each unit.
Over the past year, the DOT-Chain Defence system has expanded through standardized certification processes that have enabled small and midsize manufacturers to ramp up their production capacities. The direct ordering workflow has strengthened the connection between the tactical demands of the battlefield and the industrial capabilities available to support them. Furthermore, the introduction of automated logistics hubs in mid-2024 has helped to solidify the current one-week delivery timeline.
As part of these advancements, the integration of fiber-optic FPVs has accelerated, allowing Ukrainian forces to effectively counter Russian electronic warfare strategies. Enhanced partnerships with private drone cooperatives are also pushing Ukraine closer to its goal of producing one million FPVs annually, which could significantly bolster its frontline capabilities.
