MoD to adjust fibre-optic drone contracts in line with component prices

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence is introducing a mechanism to adjust the value of contracts for fibre-optic drones in response to changes in the cost of key components. Developed jointly with the Cabinet of Ministers and the Defence Procurement Agency, the mechanism is designed to protect supplies to the Armed Forces from volatility in global prices for fibre-optic cable, coils, and spools.

The ministry says contract execution has recently been complicated by sharp fluctuations in the global market, with fibre-optic prices changing by hundreds of percent in a short period. This created risks for contracts signed at fixed prices, potentially undermining drone production.

Since late March, the first additional agreements under centralised procurement have already been signed with updated pricing reflecting the increased cost of fibre-optic components. The updated mechanism is intended to ensure contracts can be fulfilled even amid market instability.

Officials note that the issue is particularly critical because fibre-optic drones are a key battlefield capability. They are resistant to electronic warfare interference and enable stable targeting in challenging conditions.

In 2025, 374,000 fibre-optic drones were delivered under contracts managed by the Defence Procurement Agency. As of April 2026, more than 92% of that volume has already been delivered to the military.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence also announced the rollout of a unified ground control station for fibre-optic drones, aimed at reducing system fragmentation, easing the burden on operators, and improving operational efficiency.