The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is forming a system of specialized centers for the systematic and anticipatory development of weapons and military equipment. In addition to the already established directorates for unmanned systems and missile weapons and artillery, the ministry is launching four new areas: air defense, electronic warfare/electronic reconnaissance, space technologies, and deep strike systems.

How the new system will work

The main goal of the reform is to unite analytics, expertise, innovation, and resources for the rapid implementation of technological solutions at the front, the Ministry of Defense's press service reports. Interaction will be built on a clear division of roles:

  • The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military management bodies form operational needs and capability requirements based on real combat experience;

  • Specialized centers of the Ministry of Defense develop technological and resource solutions for these requests and support their implementation in the troops.

    • “Our task is to provide the military with weapons and technologies that deliver real results and an advantage on the battlefield in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities,” said Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara.

    Six key directions

    Overall, the system will encompass six specialized structures, two of which are already functioning, while four are at the stage of formation:

  • The Center for the Development of Unmanned Systems (UMS) Capabilities (already operational) will consolidate the experience of using drones in combat, prepare proposals for military-technical policy, and support projects so that equipment adapts more quickly to technological changes;

  • The Center for the Development of Capabilities of Missile Weapons and Artillery (already operational) focuses on the development of modern missile, artillery, and anti-aircraft missile weapons, detection means, and automated control systems. Its priorities are the formation of military-technical policy, the scaling of domestic production, and the introduction of the latest types of weapons in accordance with the needs of the Defense Forces;

  • The Air Defense Development Center (being formed) will be responsible for strategic planning of air defense system development, as well as analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of innovative and promising air defense technologies;

  • The Center for the Development of Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence, Navigation Systems and Remote Control Technologies (being formed) will test and evaluate new technologies, plan and support projects, and also cooperate directly with developers.

  • The Center for Space Policy and Technology (being formed) will shape policy and standards for the development of defense space technologies — in particular in the areas of satellite communications and the use of Earth remote sensing data. It will also help provide projects with resources and implement developments that strengthen Ukraine's technological independence.

  • The Deep Strike Systems Development Center (being formed) will analyze the effectiveness of the use of long-range strike assets, will handle their scaling, will formulate approaches to analytics and metrics, and will also support development and testing.

    • The department emphasizes that the synchronization of all six centers will make it possible to promptly convert military requests into ready-made technological products and strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.