The Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) DOT has announced an open tender for the supply of long-range combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the deep strike class for the first time. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. As clarified, the tender concerns long-range combat drones designed to strike targets deep within enemy territory, making this category one of the most critically important for the armed forces.
First Tender for Long-Range Combat Drones
According to the Ministry of Defense, the receipt of the department-approved tactical and technical specifications for long-range combat drones allowed the Agency to apply a competitive approach to this category of weapons for the first time. Previously, purchases of similar systems were made without open competitive selection; now, manufacturers and suppliers whose products meet the established requirements can submit applications to participate in the bidding. This is a significant step, as deep strike drones belong to the strategic framework for striking targets at great distances.
What is Deep Strike and Why Are They Needed
Deep strike is a class of long-range combat unmanned aerial vehicles created to strike targets in the strategic depth of the enemy. The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the constant expansion of such capabilities is a key component of Ukraine's military strategy. The units planned for purchase must differ in flight range and warhead mass, as well as be able to autonomously perform a pre-set flight mission without constant external control.
Competitive Procurement Format: Figures and Dynamics
The Ministry of Defense began moving weapon procurement to a competitive format last year when the DPA DOT announced 70 tenders. In the current year, 2026, as of mid-summer, 26 such procedures have already been conducted. The department calls this mechanism one of the key tools for expanding competition in the defense market and increasing the transparency of state procurement. The transition to competitive bidding allows for attracting more manufacturers and stimulating the development of domestic R&D.
Participation Conditions and Drone Classification
To participate in the procurement, drones are distributed into separate classes depending on flight range and warhead mass. One of the key conditions for a supplier is the possession of at least one codified product in the corresponding class of long-range combat UAVs. This requirement aims to filter out applications without a real confirmed product and ensure that only companies that already have a ready or certified development for a specific class participate in the bidding.
Context: Weapon Marketplace and New Developments
The announcement of the tender for deep strike drones takes place against the backdrop of a broader transformation of the procurement system for drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Earlier, RBC-Ukraine detailed how the approach to drone procurement is changing and how the special weapon marketplace DOT-Chain Defence works. In parallel, media reported on the completion of the development of Ukraine's first gliding aviation bomb KAB "Vyravnyuvach" (Leveler) after a year and a half of work. The combination of these initiatives indicates a systematic strengthening of the long-range and autonomous framework of Ukraine's defense.
