The procurement is intended to strengthen the Defence Forces’ ability to engage targets at long range. It is also expected to support a stable supply of ammunition for front-line units throughout 2026.
“Acting on the President’s directive, we are systematically scaling up competitive procurement in the defence sector to make weapons deliveries to the front line faster, more transparent, and more effective,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine.
The ministry said the procurement was also among the most competitive ammunition purchases in terms of the number of potential suppliers taking part. Six participants were selected as winners after submitting the most economically advantageous bids and confirming their ability to fulfil the contracts within the required deadlines.
The competitive process and transparent conditions made it possible to save 16% of the initial amount. The ministry said this resulted in savings of billions of hryvnias.
“This procurement is significant not only for its scale, but also for the quality of the competitive process. Thanks to the team’s efforts and strong competition among participants, we secured more favourable terms for 155 mm long-range artillery rounds,” said Arsen Zhumadilov, Director of Defence Procurement Agency DOT.
The full volume of ammunition is due to be delivered during 2026. The ministry said the purchase reflects its wider effort to expand competitive procurement mechanisms in the defence sector.
Fedorov said the next phase will focus on scaling up competitive procurement for FPV drones, middle-strike drones and deep-strike capabilities. The ministry plans to move to tender-based procedures in all applicable areas of defence procurement as early as this summer.
The Ministry of Defence said it is building a system in which weapons procurement is based on actual performance characteristics and effectiveness. It said the rules should remain the same for all manufacturers.
“We are implementing everything gradually, because any abrupt untested changes now would effectively be like performing surgery on a beating heart,” said Mstyslav Banik, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine.
“Even during the active phase of the war, we are building a system in which every decision is explained, verified, and monitored. That is why changes are introduced progressively and through extensive testing,” Banik said.
Some procedures will be conducted through the Prozorro electronic procurement system. The ministry said the protection of defence enterprises and personnel remains a priority, so the rollout will proceed gradually and with careful assessment of all risks.
