Ukrainian operational-tactical missile system "Grom-2" Photo: defense-blog.com
About how the work on Grom-2 is going, when approximately the Ukrainian army can get such a weapon and why talk about its use in the current military conflict with the Russian Federation is a provocation, he told Apostrophe in a blitz interview director of information and consulting company Defense Express SERGEY ZGURETS.
- What do you think, when should we expect large-scale production of Grom-2 missile systems?
We are talking about factory tests of one of the elements of the complex. Let's just say, one of the stages of a solid fuel engine. A little more time will pass before full-scale tests, because we have to test the rocket, the complex, and other things. This will all take some time. And the large-scale production of the complex, according to optimistic estimates, may begin in two years.
- Can this complex become powerfulthUkrainianthem weapons in that hybrid war with Russia that is now underway? Is it made specifically for the conflict or is it a new powerful weapon for the Ukrainian army?
This complex is manufactured by order of a foreign customer, taking into account all the requirements that a foreign buyer put forward. Based on this complex, your own complex can be created, which will have the best performance characteristics, and the potential for this will be quite sufficient.
The military expects that after the successful completion of the cycle of testing and deliveries of the batch for the foreign customer, this will significantly reduce the cost of finalizing the complex to the requirements of the Ukrainian military, which are higher than the requirements of the foreign customer.
- That is, today it is premature to say that this is a weapon for Ukraine?
Nobody talks about this. This is a complex that is produced on the basis of a contract for one of the Middle Eastern countries. But this significantly reduces the financial and technological risks associated with the development of these weapons, which, in fact, Ukraine also needs. And the military is really betting on this weapons system after the completion of all work related to another country.
- How powerful is the weapon complex "Grom-2"?
We need this weapon because today the most powerful complex of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the Soviet complex "Tochka", which is equipped with our first missile brigade.
The Tochka missile system has a range of up to 120 kilometers. But at one time it was designed to use various ammunition, including a nuclear warhead and other things that provided for the possibility of a fairly large deviation from the target. Today we do not have such a "far hand" that is capable of defeating the enemy at long distances. And if we say that the Alder complex reaches a range of 120 km, and ideally a little further, then the Grom-2 complex should reach a range of 280 km in the export version. And in the version for its own use, it can have a longer range.
That is, in fact, this complex will be the first that will be able to hit targets at least twice the distance, or even three times, than the types of weapons that are currently in service with the Ukrainian army. This is a range indicator.
The indicators in terms of accuracy and power, I think, will be an order of magnitude higher than those indicators that are currently associated with the Tochka complex.
OTRK "Grom-2" Photo: mil.in.ua
A certain hysteria arose in Russia because of this complex. There have already begun to talk that this weapon could hit the Russian Federation. In particular, they say that these weapons can strike at Kerch atbridgeat, whichRussia wants to connect its mainland with the occupied Crimea.
I don't know where these conversations come from. This is not entirely true. In fact, we are talking about the completion of certain stages of work related to the creation of a complex for a foreign customer. This is a long process, which is associated with certain technological obstacles and tasks that the Ukrainian side is solving. Such complexes are created within 7-10 years. If the Ukrainian government had financed this project since it was launched, and this project is at least 12 years old in different versions, then this weapon would already exist. And it really would be able to perform the tasks you are talking about.
During the outbreak of the war, we solved these tasks at the expense of the Tochka complexes with all the risks of use associated with the fact that this complex had a bunch technical problems. And not only with accuracy, but also with the fact that not all missiles reached their targets, because they were already old, and their life was not extended.
The Grom-2 complex will start performing combat missions after the purchase by the Armed Forces, after their capabilities have been tested. Only after that will it fall into service with the first missile or other brigade. And then it will already be possible to talk about using it as a combat weapon.
Prior to this, all talk about the use of the Grom-2 complex as a means of fighting in the current conflict can be perceived as provocative things that can create a certain impression that Ukraine is trying to use something very powerful in a military conflict, and the technique of use is incomprehensible. It's when you talk about bridges and other things.
We are talking about the fact that within a short period of time, Ukraine, due to increased funding for this project, ensured the completion of the first cycle of work and is now starting another stage of work, which is related to the creation of this weapon.
OTRK "Grom-2" Photo: mil.in.ua
- That is, all this hysteria from Russia is notIt hasno reason?
I don’t see any hysteria from Russia, except that on some forums there are disparaging assessments of this complex, which looks ridiculous. Because these weapons are quite effective, and a small number of countries are able to provide a full cycle of production of such weapons. And the key issue of this complex is the full production cycle of all components, including solid propellant, which is a key element of this system.
Fuel, the guidance system is the key. And everything else is, let's say, a machine that complements this component.
That is, the creation of our own cycle for the production of missile weapons, taking into account our own fuel, is what provides us with an increase in potential for all other types of weapons where there is solid fuel that needs to be replaced with our own. After all, the period of use of fuel in different rockets is up to 15 years. Now we have all the rockets - anti-aircraft missiles, air defense missiles, aviation - need to be re-equipped with another fuel in order to ensure their use by the Armed Forces.
So the question about Russia is rather their nervous reaction to the fact that measures are being taken in Ukraine related to a real increase in the combat capability of the defense industry,respectively - with a gradual increase combat capability of the Ukrainian army.
Adrian RadchenkoFound an error - highlight and click Ctrl+Enter
And now the summer review of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine from #Ronin. Build your show on real facts, and not on Facebook hysteria
Approximately every six months, I write an article about how things are going in the military-industrial complex of Ukraine in particular and the defense sector in general. Well, judging by the amount of good news, the time has come for the next issue - the last one was still in winter.
Naturally, not all the news we have is good - tanks lost on the site flashed by, from which two departments denied at once, people died during exercises, there were unpleasant flights at the front. But, in principle, we are all used to the fact that there is reality, but there is a point of view on it. This is especially true of the issues of the country's defense capability in the conditions of both the information war and the financial and industrial groups that are fiercely competitive.
For example, the reality is that there were 4 incidents with the 2B11 "Sani" mortars in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and 8 with the "Hammers". "Fuses for 120-mm are 29 years old, they are beyond the shelf life). Time is relentless. For example, I personally saw a red expelling charge in varnish, rotten through to the primer, rust and dust inside. If we buy 60-mm mines and started producing, we produce VOG, then 120-mm mines, except for small experimental series, are still the mobilization stocks of the divisions of the USSR, and this is already a certain lottery.
Soviet portable mortar 2B11 caliber 120 mm
The reason for the incidents is quite understandable: either the hands of the calculation, which twist flags and mechanisms from double loading (for various reasons - economic - they do not lubricate and disassemble according to instructions, they want to give out the rate of fire here and now); or the physical destruction of the fuse from time to time, the use of "non-native" fuses, or even a combination of factors (the fuse can become armed, even without being pierced - from a blow or destruction of the mechanism). But "Hammers" is a deadly "handicraft" craft, while "Sled" is a classic proven over the years, you don't ask anyone. And no one is interested that, for example, "Sled" already in 2016, according to The Military Balance, there were only 200 pieces, and since that time they have also been actively developing a resource and going for scrap, while a series of 280 pieces M-120-15 "Hammer" was delivered completely, and, most likely, there were more orders. It is quite logical that from 2016 to 2018 there are twice as many emergency situations (there are simply twice as many of them in the troops).
2S12 "Sani" - Soviet mortar complex, consisting of a 120-mm mortar 2B11 and a GAZ-66 truck for its transportation
There, in theory, there is simply nothing to break, it's just a copy of the same "Sled". There are no complex technologies, new sights, rifling, shutter. Peeling paint or a crooked seam cannot start a mine in the barrel, and a hitch or expelling charge will not be fatal if the fuse does not start, but public opinion already formed. And often not only among people who saw the “Hammer” in the picture, but also among those who actually fought or served in the army. Although, of course, we are all waiting for the results of the investigation. After all, the question is much wider than mortars - a huge number of Ukrainians still mentally live in 2014 and believe that we are not preparing for war, we are wasting precious time, losing people, we could have done more or we are moving in the wrong direction. Therefore, the parallel topic of our today's article, in addition to the usual news, is myths against reality in the field of national defense. Only the White Book, The Military Balance, adequacy and brains can help us. There are no secret insiders and secret knowledge that may be of interest to Comrade Major here.
Anti-tank weapons
It is always not enough, always not enough and always for a month of conflict, if it starts. It was heard by almost everyone who was interested in the topic. Well, mathematics is the most honest science. In the Armed Forces of Ukraine from 2014 to 2017, 66 anti-tank systems were handed over. In 2018, the number of anti-tank systems was classified (quite logically in connection with the transfer of Darts, a large-scale order for emerging units and SRW). Let's not fantasize about an increase in production until there are concrete facts - let's say another two dozen launch units were transferred in 6 months. Plus, at least 35 3rd generation launchers that came to us as part of military-technical cooperation from the United States. 121 launch units. Before the war, there were also purchases, but let's imagine that we lost them in the LAP and they broke down as a result of hostilities. But we do not forget about the transfer of weapons to the State Border Guard Service and the NSU (for example, only in the NSU - about 40 anti-tank systems, starting from 2014). Total for all departments - up to 180-200 new anti-tank systems.
More than 2,000 ATGMs were produced for them, which is much more than the ammunition load for ATGMs, and this is quite a worthy figure. In addition, more than 600 TUR - guided tank missiles have been delivered, which expands the ability of tank battalions and companies of motorized brigades to counter enemy tanks (although modernized vehicles will be equipped with them, and they will go to tank brigades so as not to smear them along the line). Well, let's not forget about the "Barriers" BTR-3 and BTR-4 (for example, 15 armored personnel carriers were shipped to Novosibirsk State University in 2017, and 46 units to the Armed Forces of Ukraine). Their number in all departments is rapidly approaching 400 pieces. I remind you that Poland, which is actively transferring from its bowups to KTO Rosomak, has purchased only 570 pieces since 2003, spending three times on defense more money for 15 years.
BTR-3 equipped with ATGM "Barrier"
By the way, given that it is Luch Design Bureau that makes both Stugna, and Corsairs, and Barriers, and Barriers-V for helicopters, and issues an export order to Algeria and Azerbaijan, and completes the “desert” modification of the Ukrainian ATGM "Skif", then it (KB) works almost on the verge of its capabilities. Despite this, with the combat modules of Ukrainian armored vehicles (there is also active work under the module for the Varta and specialized anti-tank models), we have from 600 platforms capable of carrying anti-tank weapons. Not counting helicopters, hundreds of ATGMs of Soviet divisions in storage, with which, after 4 years of a positional campaign, we dismantle dugouts on the Svetlodarskaya Bulge and spend on routine purposes like water carriers; not counting "Assaults" and "Competitions" on "brothels"; not counting the tanks with the WTO - 600 platforms and under 3000 weapons. And there will be more at the end of this year, including 3rd generation ATGMs, because a significant increase was planned in the defense order, and the next $ 100 million package from the United States will come in a matter of weeks. One can say that more is needed and strive for it, but it is impossible not to note an increase by an order of magnitude. And, of course, this is not a “coffin, coffin, cemetery”, it’s time for many to thoroughly treat their brains.
Helicopters
We wrote a lot about helicopters, even a separate article was published - whoever wanted, he took communion. So, there are two directions for growth points. Put storage on the wing, upgrade and remotorize vehicles from transport to surrogate Mi-8MSB-V, from naked Mi-24, "chemists" and commander's modifications to PU-1, and later to all-weather and night. Plus, buy new models abroad, as, for example, Georgians do in the field of air defense, without waiting secret developments domestic military-industrial complex, which do not know analogues, two teaspoons a year. Which, by the way, is being done safely. For example, in 2017 alone, 12 cars were delivered. Among them are both the Mi-24 PU-1 and the Mi-8MSB-V. Plus, a sensational contract with the French for 55 multi-purpose vehicles - naturally, they will be used in the east of Ukraine, as in the summer battles the DSNS and GPSU equipment was used.
Ukrainian helicopter Mi-8MSB-V manufactured by Motor Sich
At the beginning of 2018, a dozen Mi-2MSBs were shipped - excellent aircraft in our conditions for training or reconnaissance missions. Upgraded "crocodiles" are handed over 3 cars a year, but together with flying cars in brigades and animated from grass, there are now up to 45 of them. With the "surrogate" Mi-8MSB-V, which were handed over as 3 + 4 + 8 + 8, the final figure is pleasing. Despite the traditional problems with spare parts, AA managed to keep the last year's raid and increase the number of flying cars. In the same Poland, for example, attack helicopters, even with the possible purchase of Apaches in the United States, are less than half, not to mention Romania and other countries of Eastern Europe(albeit with a large GDP). The use of more than 60 "crocodiles" and multi-purpose Mi-8s that are capable of inflicting BShU from the operational depth in the event of an aggravation is still the level for our financial realities. When 55 multi-purpose helicopters arrive from France, then Ukraine will have more than 120 flying helicopters - an impressive figure for Eastern Europe, no matter how you turn it and try to pull the evil here.
Artillery
Against the backdrop of tantrums about the purchase of "Polish scrap metal", we should also look closely into the eyes of reality. Britain, whose military experts love to write about how we can fight off the Russian threat, has 86 self-propelled guns. There are 101 of them in Germany. Yes, these are modern vehicles with FCS, with automatic loading and excellent rate of fire. But they are a gulkin nose even to the borders of Germany and Britain, and if you take away the in-line repairs and training units, it is still more than bad, despite their space budgets. Polish "Crabs" ordered 40 units (received 14 and 8), the deadline of the contract is in 2019, but it is not a fact that they will be in time. In Ukraine, as of 2018, there are 606 self-propelled guns in service, not counting the “Non” of the DShV. When the whole batch of Gvozdik 2S1 arrives from Poland, there will be almost 700, 700 self-propelled guns.
In 2017 alone, more than 35 UAVs were handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. With deliveries from previous years, "crows" from the United States, shipments to other departments and volunteer deliveries, we have more than 350 tactical UAVs. This is still below the requests of the security forces of Ukraine. But in conjunction with the radars supplied from the United States, we are able to carry out tasks both in counter-battery combat or isolation of the battlefield in the theater of operations, and in slowing down the pace of a possible offensive by turning tactical rear areas, warehouses, junction stations, repair assembly points into a "mess". With the help of more than 1000 barrels of portable artillery - by the way, Britain has 126 units of portable artillery (an order of magnitude less). This year we will see in the metal "Verba" based on "KrAZ", modernized "Hurricanes", perhaps the long-awaited OTRK - mass production of corrected shells and the usual nomenclature has begun. A huge systematic work has been carried out, which cannot be ignored.
tanks
Everything is quite transparent here. Despite the jambs with the stabilization system and the SLA at the competitions in Germany at the T-84, these BTTs (which were either in storage for years, or in line for modernization and in-line repairs) for combat effectiveness tank troops are not particularly affected. All fantasies about 100 Oplot tanks until 2018, tables from Ukroboronprom by years, how many BM Oplot should leave the shops, and how many T-84s and so on, have so far remained on paper, and thank God. Why? This has been said many times before, so we won't repeat it. A company of "Oplotov" per year is, of course, good, but the T-64 battalion in our conditions is tactically more flexible, and they can be tritely closed more tasks; money will appear later - new tanks will appear. As of 2017, approximately 180 modernized vehicles have been delivered - with the replacement of the engine, DZ, installation of a sight and night vision devices. The rest were raised from the grass, from the storages, having spent an average or overhaul. It is difficult enough to name the exact figure so as not to catch repeated repairs.
BM "Oplot" (dramatically modernized tank T-84U "Oplot")
Today, Ukraine has up to 17 tank battalions and 12-13 separate companies in all departments, and together with tanks for reserve corps battalions, there are about 800 T-64, T-72 and T-80 vehicles of various modifications. We are experiencing problems with spare parts, mobilization stocks of spare parts and the ability to carry out field repairs, but this number is higher than that of Germany, Britain and a couple of Eastern European countries in the appendage. At the very least, we can tie down the enemy in the red zone on the LBS and be able to operate with reserves to the north and on the isthmus if the Russian Federation wants to raise the stakes. The same Poles do not hesitate to raise bald T-72s out of the grass and create a new tank division, for which the Ukrainians will produce dynamic protection kits (a contract for 500 pieces indicates that the Polish authorities are determined to revive their entire fleet to zero in the light of Russian aggression) . So we are on the right track, of course, with an eye to our budget and the capabilities of the industry.
Staff and training
For three years now, the strength of the Ukrainian army has been at the same level - 204,000 fighters and 46,000 employees; at the level determined by the Rada and the budget. Understaffing in combat units and filling the staff at communication centers, training grounds with signalmen and heads of warehouses is a completely ordinary process. People want to sleep in their beds, see their wives and celebrate the holidays at home, and not scoop up knee-deep dirt on the GP. The same processes were closed by the United States in Iraq with the help of locals and PMCs, the Russians in the Donbas - by rotations of regular units and mercenaries, we - by business trips and personnel outside the state. But here it should be clearly understood: there is no critical situation. If there was a threat of loss of combat capability, then 30-40 thousand reservists would be instantly called up, somehow out of 300 thousand UBD there would be 10% who would return to duty.
And secondly, numerous Kordas, consolidated fireteams The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Border Guard Service in quantities to close the gaps in the line of contact, but for now they are all engaged and serving according to the schedule. Both sides retain the potential to build up the grouping in the red zone, but are well aware that now they will not be able to complete tasks in direct confrontation, so a war of attrition is being waged. Despite the objective problems, there is an increase in the number of exercises - compared even with 2016 - both at the brigade (twice) and at the battalion level. It was possible to maintain a flight time of 50 hours per person, increasing the number of flying aircraft, it turned out to call on more than 80 thousand reservists in all departments.
let's sum up results. Up to 700 self-propelled guns in the foreseeable future in service and the gradual deployment of production for 155-mm caliber, 120 helicopters in the next 3 years, dozens of modernized MLRS, hundreds of artillery barrels, 400 new armored personnel carriers, 200 new anti-tank systems, launches of "Barriers-V" from helicopters and pre-series models of PTO-complexes. 800 tanks, more than 1500 vehicles, not counting 300 armored ones; if we take cars from NSU and GPSU, this number will double. It’s still not too much for hundreds of battalions to have the personnel at “zero” and in systematic work - a dozen cars, several anti-tank systems, a couple of ambulance “moto-legs” and “Bogdanov”, a company of “bears” and old D- thirty. The main work remains behind the scenes, but it is carried out, and carried out on a large scale. 16 billion hryvnias for the purchase of weapons and equipment, 2.1 billion hryvnias for the development of the defense industry through the Ministry of Industry for the machine park, deliveries from the United States worth hundreds of millions of dollars of weapons, communications equipment, cars (in 2017, about 80 cars were received as part of the military-technical cooperation). For example, it seems to everyone that communication is simple, but replace it in every armored personnel carrier and infantry fighting vehicle out of more than 2000, in each command post, create chains from the brigade level to the command, purchase tropospheric and satellite communications, while maintaining the pace of military construction. It is easy only to criticize and advise, everything else is hard.
Not visible are the dozen reinforced concrete, fortified and strewn ammunition depots that have been erected since the beginning of the year; and brigade training centers at the final stage of delivery. A dozen radars from Iskra, including 79K6 on a chassis from Belarus from the MZKT (which means currency and cooperation in both directions), and so for the past 4 years - four dozen new and modernized radars. The serious modernization of the machine park at Vizar, Artyom, at Luch Design Bureau, Pavlograd, where the plant was raised from its knees from the state of half-dead workshops to 1.5 thousand personnel and solar panels on the roof, the launch of a workshop for the production of cases to the BTR-4 in Kharkov. The transfer of 4 EW helicopters in the MTR unit was not too publicized, and the fact that they are already working on the front end electronic warfare systems, and regarding the fight against UAVs work effectively. In the meantime, a whole industry comes to life - the production of gunpowder, primers, cartridge cases. They are purchasing equipment for the production of 155 mm caliber shells, the production of 30 mm and 40 mm grenades, mines of all calibers has begun, they are restoring and upgrading missiles for three types of air defense systems at once. Due to the fact that the S-125, S-300V1, Torah and Kuba were removed from storage, the number of complexes on combat duty will be increased by a third.
Work is endless. We need to produce cable products, communications, prepare airfield services, transfer troops to new system food, produce mounted grenade launchers instead of the killed LNG (an excellent caliber for Minsk and another ten years "balls" for ammunition), disposable grenade launchers and jet flamethrowers, consumable products from smoke grenades and mines to targets for MANPADS, purchase spare parts, make mobilization stocks of fuel, ammunition, clothing and ammunition in case of mass conscription. The problem of the Ukrainians is not only that a wave of propaganda and lies fell upon us against the backdrop of the war. The problem is also that the majority of even adequate people were far from the army for a quarter of a century, mowed down from it, were not interested in it. And now our problems will be solved either by thousands of ATGMs and guided bombs, or by Korean self-propelled guns and British experts, or by the liquidation of conscription, or by thermal imagers in each squad. And it is systematic work that is being carried out - monotonous, difficult and ungrateful. Supply, logistics, training of the sergeant corps, modernization and repairs, anti-tank and aviation, reserve and mobistics. And many simply too quickly forgot the Ukrainian fighters of the 2014 format, in sneakers, with the German flag not ripped off their uniforms, with beds on “brothels” and how our security forces look today.
Summer 2018. The military-industrial complex of Ukraine - more efforts and funding are still needed, but there is solid and confident progress that is hard to miss.
The Israeli development of TAR-21 is produced under license at the Vinnytsia Fort enterprise. The rifle is designed according to the "Bullup" system, when the magazine and the trigger are located behind the trigger (in contrast to the traditional design of the machine - with a horn sticking out in front). This allows you to increase the length of the barrel without increasing the dimensions of the weapon, which has a positive effect on the accuracy of shooting and ease of use. The case is made of impact-resistant plastic, reinforced with metal, thanks to which it was possible to significantly reduce weight.
Formally, the production of "Fort-221" under an Israeli license began in Ukraine in 2009, but until recently, the assault rifle and its shortened modification "Fort-224" were purchased in small quantities for special forces of the SBU. It is known that after the start of the conflict in the Donbass, Fort-221 appeared in service with the Tornado battalion of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense announced its intention to buy about 500 units of such weapons.
VIDEO
Video: Nicholas Pitylyak / YouTube
Sighting range 550 m, caliber 5.56 mm, rate of fire 750-900 rounds per minute, weight with magazine 4.3 kg.
Modification of the Ukrainian sports rifle "Zbroyar" Z-008 is produced at the Kiev plant "Mayak". It fires both single cartridges and using a 5- or 10-shot magazine. The Ukrainian rifle is heavier than the traditional SVD, inherited by our army from Soviet times (5-7 kg depending on additional equipment versus 4.5 kg), but has a greater effective range (900 m versus 800 m).
The first samples were presented in 2012, and the serial launch was established only in the spring of 2014. The first batch entered service with the National Guard in July.
VIDEO
Video: Defense Blog TV / YouTube
Sighting range 900 m, caliber 7.62x51 mm, rate of fire 15 rounds per minute, weight with magazine 5-7 kg.
Grenade launchers and anti-tank weapons
Kyiv development; The first prototypes were produced at the Leninskaya Kuznya plant in 2010. The first Ukrainian belt-fed grenade launcher. It fully complies with NATO standards, but, unlike Western models, is much lighter. Supplied with a mounting structure that allows you to quickly set up the weapon and prepare the place for shooting even from an unprepared position.
The Ministry of Defense was interested in domestic development, a grenade launcher was tested, but there is no information on the supply of this model to the Armed Forces of Ukraine yet.
VIDEO
Video: Military Portal / YouTube
Weight: 17 kg - body, 15 kg - tripod machine, effective range 40-1500 m, rate of fire 400 rounds per minute.
The product of the work of the Kyiv design bureau "Luch". In "Stugna", as in its lightweight colleague "Corsair", a laser guidance system is used. In this regard, Ukrainian developments are inferior to the American missile system Javelin, working on the principle of "fire and forget". But they are much cheaper and can be produced in Ukraine.
Tests of the Stugna began in 2010, and the first samples entered service in 2011, but have not yet been mass-produced into the army. Basically, the Armed Forces of Ukraine use the Soviet Fagot ATGM, created in the middle of the last century.
Maximum firing range 5000 m, weight 47 kg, caliber 130 mm.
Armored cars
Created in the design bureau of the Cherkasy Automobile Plant, since 2014 it has been produced by the Bogdan Corporation. Able to carry 4-6 people in full uniform and two crew members. The body consists of steel sheets welded at an angle. The armor protects against bullets of 5.45 and 7.62 mm caliber. It is made on the all-wheel drive chassis of the Japanese company Isuzu.
The National Guard of Ukraine declared its desire to purchase 90 Bars, in addition, the car will take part in the tender of the Ministry of Defense for the supply of light armored vehicles.
Road speed 100 km/h, cruising range 600 km.
The development of the Canadian company Streit Group based on the Toyota Land Crusier chassis has been produced under license in Kremenchug since 2014. Can carry up to 6 fully equipped paratroopers. The reinforced bottom is able to protect against grenade explosions.
Cougars have been in service with the National Guard since August and are used in the ATO zone. The military, who used armored vehicles, reported how the Cougar withstood the explosion of the Landmine, thereby saving the life of the crew.
Road speed 105 km / h, weight 4220 kg, cruising range 800 km.
Heavy armored vehicles
The brainchild of Kharkov designers. An improved modification of the BTR-4M was first demonstrated at the IDEX-2013 arms exhibition in the UAE. Protected by solid steel armor, equipped with a 30-mm rifled automatic cannon. Unlike its predecessor, the BTR-3 is not a continuation of the Soviet BTR-80 model, but a new development. The new model has improved protection against mines and shrapnel, as well as the ability to install additional weapon modules.
After the collapse of the USSR, the Ukrainian arms industry was going through hard times. The state did not allocate money. Specialists left and went into business. The country was selling weapons inherited from the Soviet army. But the war in Donbass breathed into the Ukrainian defense industry new life. Designers began to develop new, sometimes very original models of weapons. Assault rifles are assembled from old Kalash, and "new" missiles were developed back in the Soviet Union. Not everything is working out so far, and miracle armored cars sometimes break down on the go, but Ukrainian gunsmiths manage to master foreign markets with this. figured out what kind of weapons Ukraine is going to repulse a potential enemy.
Sleight of hand
Developing new small arms, Ukrainian gunsmiths seem to be guided by the residual principle. They repackage and repackage everything that remains of Soviet developments. Otherwise, it is very difficult to explain some innovations.
Take, for example, a vivid example of such a design approach - the operational-portable rifle "Gopak-61". It was developed by the Kyiv Mayak plant. The weapon was first introduced in 2015.
The main donor of the new rifle was the Kalashnikov AKM assault rifle adopted in 1959, the stock came from a Kalashnikov machine gun, and the bipod came from a Kalashnikov light machine gun.
"Gopak-61" uses a cartridge of 7.62x39 millimeters. Back in the 1970s, the Soviet Union switched to more modern and efficient 5.45x39 mm ammunition. Moreover, the caliber 7.62x39 mm was originally developed as an automatic cartridge for the AK-47 and does not meet the basic requirements for sniper cartridges. Ukrainian gunsmiths, apparently, were not embarrassed by this fact.
Another feature of the new rifle was the lack of automatic reloading and the removal of powder gases as such - the basis for the operation of any automatic weapons last century. As a result, the shooter will have to manually reload the rifle after each shot.
"Gopak" can be conditionally classified as a Marksman rifle. They occupy an intermediate position between conventional small arms and heavy precision non-automatic sniper rifles. The best-known examples of Marksman rifles are the semi-automatic Russian SVD and the American Mk 14 EBR. However, the Ukrainian miracle weapon simply cannot compete confidently with any of these samples because of the worst basic characteristics.
The cartridge used is not a sniper cartridge and is over 40 years old. As well as the AKM taken as the basis - good for infantrymen, but hardly suitable for trained snipers. The developers claim that the rifle is intended for special forces soldiers, but cases of its use in combat are unknown.
The result speaks for itself: three years after the presentation, the fate of Gopak is still not determined.
"Gopak" - not the only example use of the Soviet legacy, which Ukraine is in no hurry to abandon. Simultaneously with the "Gopak" gunsmiths introduced a new assault rifle "Malyuk" ("Kid"). This is a classic AK-74, made in a bullpup layout (when the clip is located behind the trigger).
In addition, the Ukrainian "Malyuk" received mounts for the Picatinny rail, which allows you to install shooting accessories like additional sights, flashlights and the like. A new Ukrainian assault rifle is being executed in three calibers: Soviet 7.62 mm and 5.45 mm and NATO 5.56 mm.
Frame: Ukroboronprom / YouTube
As reported by the Ukrainian media, "Malyuk" has good chances both within the country and on the world market. "In the segment small arms the machine will be able to occupy a niche along with samples of the world's leading manufacturers, ”the website of the Ukrainian Association of Small Arms noted.
However, three years after the presentation, "Malyuk" did not enter the troops. Maybe he still needs to grow up.
But we make rockets
Ukraine began 2018 by demonstrating the success of its missile industry. In early January, the National Industrial Portal video tested the engine for the new complex of operational-tactical missiles "Grom-2".
The spectacle is not that exciting: the engine runs for 15 seconds - all tests are limited to this. However, the short video provoked a strong reaction in Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian press wrote that the missile was capable of reaching Moscow, but "it would be a completely different conversation with the aggressor."
With the start of the war in Donbass, Ukraine decided to breathe new life into old missile projects. This stimulates patriotic sentiments and allows you to count on obtaining foreign contracts, since the declared characteristics allow this.
"Grom-2" refers to the type of operational-tactical missiles - such as, for example, the Russian "Iskanders". "Thunder-2" can hit targets at a distance of 280 kilometers. Ukrainian experts also talk about increasing the range of application in the case of production for their own army, but such modernization is clearly not a matter of the next few years.
Before the adoption of the "Thunder-2" is still very far away. Even experts who are sympathetic to the current government are cautious about several years needed to complete missile tests. Moreover, the director of the information and consulting company Defense Express, Sergey Zgurets, who is familiar with the progress of work, said in an interview with Apostrophe that the customer was not a Ukrainian, but an unnamed Middle Eastern country.
BMPT "Azovets"
BMPT "Azovets" / Focus
heavy fighting machine infantry (BMPT), presented in November 2015, looks, according to the publication, rather strange.
The vehicle received two combat modules, each of which has a 180-degree field of view. GSH-23 rapid-fire air guns and heavy machine guns are placed there.
Two anti-tank missiles can be installed on the BMP at once: "Stugna" and "Korsar". A vehicle based on the T-64 tank was created. Along the perimeter of the hull, blocks of dynamic protection "Knife" are installed.
In addition to the unusual appearance, the car is amazing for two more reasons.
- this is one of the few infantry fighting vehicles created by the efforts of volunteers.
- "Azovets" looks much more secure than serial samples military equipment purchased for the needs of the army of Ukraine.
We are talking, in particular, about modernized Soviet armored personnel carriers that do not meet the requirements modern war and are stitched with 12.7 mm bullets.
Units armed with such equipment suffer heavy losses in the ATO zone, and the creation of a new heavy infantry fighting vehicle has become an urgent need. That's just talking about the prospects of the car in the circumstances is difficult, concludes the magazine.
New generation tank
Futurized main battle tank - this is the name given to the concept of the Ukrainian "tank of the future", which was first presented by Ukroboronprom and Spetstechnoexport at DEFEXPO India 2014.
According to the publication, this is an attempt to create an analogue of the Russian T-14, developed on the basis of the Armata platform. In the Ukrainian army new tank could change the T-64 and T-72. On MBT, it is possible to install 6TD-4 engines with a power of 1500 hp. and 6TD-5 with a capacity of 1800 hp.
The motor will be located in front of the hull, and immediately behind it, the engineers placed a habitable module. As in the case of the Russian T-14, the new tank should receive an uninhabited remote-controlled tower.
The "main caliber" of the MBT could be the 125-mm Vityaz cannon or the promising 140-mm Bagheera.
In addition to them, it is planned to install an anti-aircraft machine gun, and the machine itself should receive reliable protection from most anti-tank weapons. Some of the decisions of the Soviet school of tank building are guessed in the design, but, obviously, the new tank is supposed to be created from scratch.
The concept of the Futurized main battle tank is interesting, but in the current conditions it looks almost fantastic, the publication believes and notes that the Ukrainian army did not receive a single new tank during the entire war, and all the main ones transferred to the Ministry of Defense battle tanks are partially modernized old Soviet MBTs.
In conditions when it is even impossible to establish serial production of new BM "Oplot" tanks, talk about the development new car do not have to. The Ukrainian authorities admit that the country's military budget is about 40 times smaller than the Russian one. So the competitor of "Armata" can exist only on paper.
Mi-2MSB-V
In the fall of 2015, the Motor Sich enterprise presented a helicopter, which was dubbed the "new attack helicopter".
However, the editors of the magazine are convinced that in reality this is a modification of the Soviet multi-purpose Mi-2, which took to the skies in the 60s. The Mi-2MSB-V was equipped with a new AI-450B engine, B-8MSB unguided missiles and machine guns.
According to the publication, the helicopter can perform strike missions, but with great difficulty. Mi-2MSB-V did not receive modern sights, and there are no guided anti-tank missiles in its arsenal.
In addition, armoring a helicopter is completely insufficient (as for a strike vehicle). The reason for the jokes was the "Spartan" look of the Mi-2MSB-V: the left exhaust pipe with a home-made screen, for example, was compared by Runet users with a "kitchen hood", and in order to at least slightly increase the protection of the rotorcraft, it was proposed to equip it with a "bed net", notes magazine.
The publication believes that by the standards of the 21st century, a combat vehicle is an anachronism. But she can relatively successfully carry out reconnaissance missions.
This is assuming that someone will produce a new helicopter, the newspaper notes, adding that Ukraine does not have a full assembly cycle of rotorcraft, so we can talk about the modernization of already built models of equipment.
According to the publication, a more reasonable solution would be to purchase foreign attack and multi-purpose helicopters. However, this requires large financial resources.
Rifle "Gopak"
One of the novelties of 2015 in the world of domestic small arms was presented by Ukroboronprom.
The abbreviation GOPAK stands for "An operational portable rifle based on AK" ("Gvint_vka is operational portable based on AK").
According to the publication, this is an attempt to make a sniper weapon based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle.
There is nothing unusual in the concept itself, the magazine notes. On the basis of the AK, there are many different types of weapons. And the practice of creating sniper rifles based on machine guns is not so rare.
Another thing is the very approach to resolving the issue, the newspaper writes and adds that the rifle looks like it was developed not in the 21st century, but in the 70-80s of the 20th century. Almost everything in her appearance gives out AK, and other elements are directly borrowed from other types of Soviet weapons.
The rifle is chambered for 7.62 × 39 mm, and the rate of fire can reach 30 rounds per minute. The creators dismantled the AK vent tube, handguard and handguard. A silencer was placed on the barrel, and a mount for mounting an optical sight was placed on the receiver.
The weapon also received a folding bipod from the RPK machine gun, and the regular butt was replaced with a butt from the Kalashnikov machine gun.
Now "Gopak" is being tested, and in the future it can be supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. True, the prospects for large-scale production are doubtful.
Rifle based on DShK
According to the publication, this is the most unusual example of Ukrainian small arms - a large-caliber sniper rifle, created by volunteers on the basis of the DShK and transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The DShK easel machine gun has been in operation since 1938, and it took the volunteers several months to convert this weapon into a sniper rifle.
In general, the new product is most reminiscent of weapons from the popular fantasy universe Warhammer, the publication believes.
“Our army has enough high-power sniper rifles. This is the third generation of the rifle, the trigger has been moved, for example, a rear monopod has appeared, which improves accuracy and settings. The design of the muzzle brake-compensator has also changed, which reduces recoil and increases the accuracy of fire,” they said. volunteers about their brainchild.
The weapon is chambered for 12.7 mm. The creators themselves speak of "good prospects for the new complex."
Its analogue, with some reservations, can be called the Russian large-caliber sniper rifle ASVK, the newspaper notes.
The most advanced models of such weapons are manufactured in the States - we are talking about sniper rifles Barrett, including the famous Barrett M82.
Such complexes can be very useful when it comes to the disposal of unexploded ordnance or the incapacitation of enemy light armored vehicles, the magazine concludes.
