New model for defence innovations procurement in Ukraine
Introduction
1. Previous regulatory approach
2. Key elements of the new model
2.1. Simplified procurement procedure
2.2. Testing within the Armed Forces
2.3. Scaling of effective solutions
3. Comparing before and after
4. Intellectual property regulation
5. Status of the mechanism
6. Practical implications
On 13 April 2026, the Government of Ukraine announced the launch of an experimental mechanism aimed at accelerating the procurement and deployment of innovations in the defence sector. The initiative introduces a structured approach to acquiring, testing and scaling new technologies within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
At the same time, the Government of Ukraine approved a policy on the management of intellectual property rights in the defence sector. Taken together, these decisions establish a new regulatory framework for the implementation of innovations in the defence system.
1. Previous regulatory approach
Prior to the introduction of these changes, Ukrainian legislation on defence procurement did not provide for a dedicated mechanism for acquiring innovations specifically for testing within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to official statements by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine:
- there was no formalised procedure for procuring innovations for testing;
- the implementation of new technologies was unsystematic;
- there was no defined link between testing results and subsequent procurement.
As a result, developers faced uncertainty regarding the pathway from product development to actual deployment within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
2. Key elements of the new model
The introduced experimental mechanism is based on three interrelated elements.
2.1. Simplified procurement procedure
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has been granted the ability to procure innovative solutions under a simplified procedure. This applies in particular to:
- technologies;
- software;
- other innovative solutions for defence needs.
This approach enables faster interaction with developers and reduces procedural barriers.
2.2. Testing within the Armed Forces
Procured innovative solutions are directly transferred to units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for testing under real operational conditions.
Effectiveness is assessed based on practical use rather than theoretical indicators.
2.3. Scaling of effective solutions
Solutions whose effectiveness is confirmed during testing may be incorporated into the supply system and scaled for broader use.
In this way, a direct link is established between development, testing, and procurement.
3. Comparing before and after
| Element | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement of innovations | No dedicated procedure | Simplified procedure introduced |
| Testing | Unsystematic | Formalised combat testing |
| Scaling | Not regulated | Inclusion into the supply system provided |
| Intellectual property | No unified rules | State IP management policy introduced |
4. Intellectual property regulation
In parallel, the Government of Ukraine approved a policy on intellectual property management in the defence-industrial sector.
According to official information, this policy establishes:
- unified rules for technologies created within the public sector or funded by the state;
- an approach to the use and management of such technologies;
- a framework for interaction between state authorities and enterprises.
This effectively represents the first centralised regulation of IP in the field of defence innovations in Ukraine.
5. Status of the mechanism
The new model has been introduced as an experimental (pilot) project, meaning that:
- it operates within a special regulatory regime;
- it does not amend the core legislation on defence procurement;
- its further development will depend on the results of practical application.
6. Practical implications
The introduction of the new mechanism changes the approach to interaction among key participants in the defence market.
For developers, it creates a formalised pathway from product development to potential deployment. For the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it provides an opportunity to directly assess the effectiveness of technologies in real conditions. For the state, it establishes a structured mechanism for integrating innovations into the procurement system.
At the same time, the introduction of unified IP management rules ensures greater legal certainty regarding technologies developed with state participation or funding.