Brave1’s NEXT special unit to procure innovative weapons without tenders

The experimental military unit NEXT, operating within the Brave1 defence technology cluster, will now be able to procure innovative developments outside standard public procurement procedures. The relevant amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers’ resolution were adopted on 29 October.

In particular, the government amended the “Specifics of public procurement” applicable during martial law. From now on, the Innovation Development Fund will be able to directly acquire specialised innovative technologies — including robotics, unmanned systems, and dual-use or military-purpose developments — without holding competitive or simplified procurement procedures.

According to Andrii Teliupa, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, simplifying procurement will allow faster delivery of components for the development and testing of combat drones, ground robots and aquatic platforms. He said the decision would accelerate the adaptation of technologies to combat conditions and help save soldiers’ lives.

The NEXT unit was established in the summer of 2025 as part of Brave1 in cooperation with the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection. Its goal is to implement and test Ukrainian technological developments directly in combat zones and to cooperate with military units for the rapid evaluation of new solutions.

The Innovation Development Fund is a state institution that finances the creation and implementation of technological solutions in the defence and security sectors. Through this fund, Brave1 supports Ukrainian developers of drones, robotics, artificial intelligence systems and other projects critical to strengthening the country’s defence capability.