The industry is pushing for a transition to procurement based on tactical and technical characteristics
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Yevhenii Khmara has been leading the ministry for almost two months, including his time as acting minister following the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov. Representatives of the defense industry have shared their impressions of his first months in office and their expectations for future reforms. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Лев Шевченко) citing the Ukrainian Council of Weapon Makers, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Market participants view the appointment of Hanna Hvozdiar as Deputy Minister of Defence for the defense-industrial complex positively. In their view, she is well-versed in the challenges faced by manufacturers and the needs of the market. At the same time, some experts note that the minister lacks a full team overhaul and new functional audits.
Market expectations for defense procurement
Executive Director of the Ukrainian Gunsmiths Council Ihor Fedirko stated that the ministry has restored a normal dialogue with industry associations. According to him, the industry expects the agency to set five to ten clear, measurable goals by the end of the year. The market demands a shift toward procurement based on tactical and technical characteristics (TTC) rather than buying specific product models. Such TTCs should be developed collectively with several manufacturers to avoid favoring a single design.
NAUDI association position on tenders
Serhii Honcharov, CEO of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries, noted that some procedures still lack transparency and formalized evaluation criteria. Bidders often face unclear payment terms and contract execution deadlines. All of this complicates the work of companies producing drones, bombers, and 155mm ammunition.
Challenges for the Ministry of Defence team
Commercial Director of Trypillian Viktoriia Kulchytska emphasized the importance of Yevhenii Khmara’s military experience. She stressed that state policy must guarantee manufacturers a sufficient investment planning horizon. Another key task remains the practical launch of a mechanism for controlled exports of arms and technology without harming the ZSU.
Defense company management forecasts
CEO of Trident Group Yurii Humenchuk observed that it will be difficult for the new team to continue the large-scale transformations initiated by the previous leadership. In his opinion, this requires a carefully calculated strategy and a formed core of like-minded individuals. The ministry’s main priorities should be zero tolerance for corruption and proactive funding for research and development.
Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
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