On 10 October, after a difficult night of missile strikes on Kyiv, the Third Defence Procurement Forum took place.
Despite the war and constant threats, the hall was filled with the best specialists in the field — military procurement officers, representatives of the Ministry of Defence, experts and international partners. They gathered to discuss the most important issue: how to strengthen the army's capability and make the supply system even more efficient.
Lieutenant Colonel John Anthistle, Capability Planning Advisor to the UK Special Defence Advisor Team, spoke on behalf of the British Government.
‘Since 2015, our cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine has been an example of a partnership built on trust, professionalism and a shared vision of the future — a future in which Ukraine continues to move forward through systemic and long-term change,’ emphasised John Anthistle. 
Yurii Shkil, Executive Director of the NGU ‘Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine’, in his opening remarks, noted the long-term partnership with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the UK Special Defence Advisor Team, which has resulted in the formation of a modern procurement system in the defence sector.
‘Our joint work with British partners has been going on for ten years now — from the creation of the Reform Project Office to the launch of the Defence Procurement Agency, the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT), and modern digital tools. Despite changes in government, the pandemic and full-scale war, the reforms have not stopped. This demonstrates trust, professionalism and a common goal — strong and successful Ukraine,’ said Yurii Shkil.
Among the key achievements is the creation of the Supervisory Board of the Defence Procurement Agency, which ensures transparency, independent control and professional oversight of the use of state resources. Another important step was the introduction of the DOT-Chain digital system, which automated procurement and supply processes, allowing military units to obtain the necessary equipment faster and reduce bureaucratic delays. Its new module, DOT-Chain Defence, functions as an online marketplace for units that can independently order drones and other technical equipment. This ensures decentralisation, efficiency, and control over procurement, and most importantly, increases the effectiveness of frontline support in real time.
The Project 100 educational programme is also crucial, as it helps to improve the army's procurement capabilities. Over 200 military procurement officers have already completed the training, which has doubled procurement efficiency and resulted in savings of over 327 million UAH. 
‘These are not just numbers. They are the result of the daily work of hundreds of people — experts, specialists, and military personnel who are changing the system even during wartime. We are grateful to the UK Government, the UK Special Defence Advisor Team, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and all our partners for their trust and shared belief in the power of reform,’ concluded Yurii Shkil, Executive Director of the Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine.
This initiative is being implemented with the assistance of the NGU ‘Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine’ and is a part of the support programme led by the UK Special Defence Advisor Team (SDA), funded from the British Government.