Ukrainian military can now order custom drones on Brave1 Market: how it works

Ukraine’s state defence tech cluster Brave1 has introduced the option for Ukrainian military units to order not only off-the-shelf solutions but also custom drones tailored to specific missions. The process will take place through the Brave1 Market marketplace under a procedure designed to eliminate corruption risks, the cluster says.

Here’s how it works: a military unit submits a request through the marketplace, specifying only the desired technical and tactical characteristics, quantity and delivery timeframe. Units can specify requirements across more than 17 parameters, including communication types, cameras, payload capacity, flight time, and more.

“Essentially, this allows military units to order drones with unique characteristics tailored to their operational needs — for example, to carry out a specific mission,” Brave1 says.

The system then automatically sends the request to potential suppliers, which can either respond or ignore it. The customer does not see which suppliers have responded — the system evaluates offers solely on the basis of objective data.

If several bids have exactly the same technical specifications, an automated auction is held, with the lowest-priced offer winning. The unit can then enter into a direct agreement with the manufacturer.

В Brave1 наголошують, що за цією процедурою можна замовляти навіть некодифіковані рішення. Серед доступних технологій: FPV-камікадзе, FPV-камікадзе на оптоволокні, перехоплювачі літакового типу. У планах кластера — суттєво розширити цей перелік, зокрема додати наземні роботизовані комплекси.

Brave1 says the procedure can also be used to order non-codified solutions. Technologies currently available include FPV kamikaze drones, fibre-optic FPV kamikaze drones and fixed-wing interceptors. The cluster plans to significantly expand the list, including by adding unmanned ground vehicles.

All stages of the interaction and decision-making process are automatically recorded in the system. If a unit decides not to proceed with a purchase, it must provide a reasoned explanation. The platform also allows users to file complaints against both customers and suppliers.

Brave1 developed the custom-order functionality together with experts from Project 100, an initiative bringing together specialists from the Defence Procurement Reform Project and the Ministry of Defence Change Support Office.

Brave1 says the system is already operational and is inviting military procurement officers to submit requests and test the new functionality. For now, however, it is available exclusively for purchases made with units’ own funds, rather than ePoints.