Ukrainian drone manufacturers that increase the share of localized production of components will have advantages in procurement for the Armed Forces.

The Ministry of Defense reported this.

The Ministry explained that as a customer that pays with public funds, they are interested in keeping the percentage of localization as high as possible.

“To this end, at the end of last year, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution entitled Weapons of Victory. It sets clear requirements for Ukrainian weapons manufacturers, including certain types of bomber drones and reconnaissance drones. Provided that they localize the production of more than 50% of the specific cost of all components, they can receive guaranteed long-term contracts for three, five, or ten years from the state,” Hlib Kanevskyi, Director of the Procurement Policy Department of the Ministry of Defense, explained.

It is noted that complete localization of drone production is not possible at the moment, as some countries specialize in producing certain components.

In addition, combat operations require constant changes to the design of UAVs: drones have to be updated virtually every three months. Therefore, Ukrainian manufacturers are constantly looking for components to improve them.

The Ministry of Defense has also decided to allocate UAH 2.5 billion per month to military units.

First, this will enable combat brigades to purchase unmanned aerial vehicles on their own.

Secondly, according to the Ministry, the military will be able to use these funds to buy spare parts and components for the modernization and repair of UAVs in accordance with the needs on the front line.

In addition, at the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the “Drone Line” doctrine was launched, for which the Ministry of Defense allocated an additional UAH 4.6 billion.

These are the five most successful combat units using drones, which will also be able to purchase drones, electronic warfare equipment, and vehicles for mobile groups on their own.

“Thanks to UAVs, this will allow us to create a kill zone on the frontline and make it impossible for enemy manpower and vehicles to move,” the Defense Ministry says.