Ukraine's Brave1 launches ‘Amazon-style' marketplace for purchasing defence equipment

A view of the Brave1 Market main portal, showing four types of UGVs, with UAH values for Ukrainian units to be able to purchase them directly underneath. (Brave1)

Ukraine's Brave1 defence technology cluster and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine have launched an online defence technology marketplace, according to a 28 April press release.

More than 1,000 pieces of defence technology are currently listed on ‘Brave1 Market' including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies, software, and ammunition. Brave1 confirmed to Janes in a written statement on 2 May that they are looking to introduce tactical gear and combat simulation systems. When asked about the type of ammunition on Brave1 Market, a representative said it is a “closed category”. Food and clothing are not included in the market.

Beyond the initial landing page, the user must sign into the marketplace via the government's digital portal, called Diia, to view the main technologies in the catalogue. Sensitive equipment information is stored in a separate catalogue, which is only open to verified military personnel and can be accessed via the Ukrainian government and military ‘Delta' communications system. Once a selection is made, the buyer must contact the manufacturer directly to arrange the acquisition.

“Brave1 Market will become the Amazon for the military, enabling units to buy the needed technologies on the front lines right now,” Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said during the Defence Tech Era conference on 28 April.