We often publish materials, often critical, in which we consider the troubles and achievements of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. But we are doing it from our side, from the Russian side.

Today I propose to discuss the material "on the other side", from the Ukrainian side. Kirill Danilchenko (Ronin), a patriot of that Ukraine (without a gram of malice, in a country where a different worldview has won, different from ours, there may be his patriots), from time to time publishes the armies and military-industrial complex of his country.

Naturally, in the light in which a patriot is obliged to do this.

However, fully understanding Cyril, I note that in his latest material () there are several points that I would like to comment on.

Without any jumps and antics, just an opinion from the "other side".

Actually, Cyril writes very soberly. Other times. Sometimes he pushes, but, nevertheless, his opinion is very valuable, because the truth in such matters as the military-industrial complex of Ukraine always hangs somewhere in the middle of opinions.

What is the article about in general? Description of the positive and negative aspects of military life in Ukraine. As well as the quantitative and qualitative prospects of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Translate? Easy. The question is being considered, how good is the army of Ukraine "in which case". It is clear that the “case of what” is the Russian army, which either plows and rolls the Armed Forces of Ukraine into black soil in three days, or not.

Go.

“Naturally, not all the news we have is good - tanks lost on the site flashed, from which two departments denied at once, people died during exercises, there were unpleasant flights at the front. But, in principle, we are all already accustomed to the fact that there is reality, but there is a point of view on it.

Wonderful. Very good approach, the same thing happens with us. And people die during the exercises, and equipment is lost. Here, the point is not how much, but how quickly the equipment was found and conclusions were made on people.

mortars

The analysis of mortar issues began. Yes, the mortar today in Ukraine is on a par with self-propelled guns and cannon artillery.

“For example, the reality is that there were 4 incidents with 2B11 Sani mortars in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and 8 with Hammers ...

But "Hammers" is a deadly "handicraft" craft, while "Sled" is a time-tested classic, whoever you ask. 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).

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.”

Well, just like in a joke: “You can’t spoil Masha with a castle!” – “Depending on what kind of castle…”

If you believe the Ukrainian Anatoly Tapolsky, who, as it were, fired from these Molotovs, everything is not so luxurious. More precisely, it is on the sofa, this “Hammer”. But in the trenches ... Yes, even assembled by "skillful hands" ... Yes, at non-core enterprises such as the Starokramatorsk Machine Repair Plant ...

Well, I'll just leave this here:

Do you know where I saw such a sight? Yes, in the museum in Padikovo. On the Soviet mortar 1945 release.

Who cares about the continuation, welcome to Tapolsky: (). Make sure at the same time that I did not lie at all.

"Hammer" is really a handicraft fake of "Sled", dangerous for calculations. And the press service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is blatantly lying, hiding the true number of cases. As always, though. As well as colleagues from other countries. Lies in the performance of the PS of any Ministry of Defense of any country is normal.

We will not talk about crooked hands and excessive alcohol consumption by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the front line. The author did not raise this issue, and I will not. I don’t see the point, the Internet and YouTube are filled with relevant photos and videos. With the motto "we drank, we drink and we will drink, otherwise we will not live" in Ukrainian army they are fighting, but so far the green serpent is winning.

Anti-tank weapons

“There is always not enough of it, 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. 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 ATGMs.

Well, not bad, I guess. What about the BC to the "launching units"?

“More than 2,000 ATGMs have been produced for them, which is much more than the ammunition load for ATGMs, and this is quite a decent figure. In addition, more than 600 TUR - guided missiles have been delivered.

Let me remind you that Poland, which is actively switching from its bowups to KTO Rosomak, has purchased only 570 units since 2003, spending three times as much money on defense over 15 years.

New and old anti-tank systems ... Well, they did everything. Plus, the US planted Javelins. There are charges. Poland was overtaken, overtaken. Win?

You know, maybe yes. Watching what to overcome.

As I understand, we are talking about an old song. The fact that Ukraine is a European shield against Russian aggression. And that the Ukrainian soldiers will be the first to stand in the way of the armadas and hordes of the Russian army. Well and, respectively, the first also will lay down.

Europe, as I understand it, does not mind at all. It is clear that the devil knows whether these hordes will go or not, and having an extra shield on their way will not be depriving at all.

Logical, right? As in the old good times There was an ATS, remember? With the same goal in general - to enable the Soviet army to turn around and save manpower and equipment.

Now Europe is happy to use Ukraine in this form, if anything.

The most remarkable thing is that no one asked Ukraine about this. They themselves volunteered to die under the tracks of Russian tanks, taking with them as much as they could.

Question to Cyril: how many can they?

But a little. And that's why. Pan Danilchenko is very good at considering numbers and opportunities. Very logical and healthy. But he forgets about one such "little thing." Even if Russia turns up for a hypothetical war, it is unlikely that this war will go according to Ukrainian laws. This is not Donbass...

Ask what kind of Ukrainian laws of war I came up with? I didn't invent them. Time invented them. The laws of poverty, if so.

200 ATGMs of Ukrainians will not be able to do anything to Russian tanks. They will simply die, and most likely, very ugly and useless. There are too many crowbars in the Russian army today, against which the Armed Forces of Ukraine have no methods and never will.

I am sorry in advance not only for the ATGM crews, but also for everyone who will have to die aimlessly under bombs and rockets of the Russian Aerospace Forces, under the blows of Tornadoes, Hurricanes and other MLRS, under artillery shells and tactical missiles.

No offense - zero chance.

Indeed, if Ukraine does not have an air force, what are we, too, planes and helicopters for fun? Cyril, are you serious? On the contrary, to plow everything that is possible, then to fix it with artillery, and then, to be sure, “Pinocchio” and “Solntsepeki”.

And, by the way, in conditions of complete impotence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, since they hardly have any idea how many wonderful surprises these unhurried guys from the electronic warfare are preparing.

Further, Kirill argues that a fairly large number anti-tank weapons placed on mobile chassis. About the fact that Luch Design Bureau 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 Ukrainian anti-tank systems "Skif", that the design bureau is working almost on the verge of its capabilities.

Excuse me, what's the point? What's the point of your 600+ platforms if they're nothing more than targets in a videoconferencing shooting range and (worst of all) army aviation, sharpened precisely for such entertainment?

“And, of course, this is not a “coffin, coffin, cemetery”, it’s time for many to thoroughly treat their brains.”

Well, no, it's "coffin, coffin, cemetery." Unless Vanuatu attacks Ukraine. Or someone from the Balts.

Helicopters

“We wrote a lot about helicopters, even came out separate article- whoever wanted to, 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, the 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 they used the DSNS and GPSU equipment.

Okay, pull. Mi-24 is still a good car. In 2016, it seems that Ukraine had more than a hundred cars. On the paper. In fact, according to Kirill (I believe), today there are only 60 working machines in the Ukrainian Air Force. That's all, Mi-24, Mi-8 and Mi-2.

With which, in fact, congratulations.

Of course, fighting the militia in the Donbass is a number. To die under the first (second is not needed) strike of the Russian Aerospace Forces is also enough. For a serious conflict ... 60 cars ... Well, yes, for a couple of days, I guess.

“In the same Poland, for example, attack helicopters even with the possible purchase of Apaches in the United States, it is less than half, not to mention Romania and other countries of Eastern Europe(albeit with a large GDP). When 55 multi-purpose helicopters arrive from France, there will be more than 120 flying helicopters in Ukraine - an impressive figure for Eastern Europe, no matter how you twist it and don’t try to pull the evil here.”

Let's just pull. Not "when", but "if". If there is money, the French will sell. And the question is in what form. And then, maybe, the Mi-24s of the Soviet legacy will turn out to be cooler. In addition, it will take a lot of time to master new technology. Considering that it is new not in time, but in essence ...

And Poland, oddly enough, is not going to fight with Russia in one helmet. For this, there is NATO, in which the Poles are members, because they do not need to tear the GDP and buy it like that. Everything is in NATO. They will deliver if necessary and if they have time.

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’s 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 entire Gvozdik 2S1 batch arrives from Poland, there will be almost 700, 700 self-propelled guns.

Interesting scoring system. And a comparison with Germany and Britain. It seems that these two countries live according to the motive "If there is war tomorrow ...". No, this is how Ukraine lives. And Danilchenko measures everything with just such a measure, but in vain.

Britain, if Cyril forgot, then I remind you, is not in Europe. This, excuse me, is an island empire, which is separated by a fairly wide strait from the mainland. And I don’t understand who, according to Danilchenko, the British should shoot from self-propelled guns. And for expeditionary trips to Afghanistan or Iraq, this is more than enough.

And the British also have a fleet ... With guns, missiles and torpedoes. And the Air Force. That is, something that is not in Ukraine, and the lack of which they are trying to compensate for the self-propelled guns.

The same with Germany. They are not going to fight, but even if the Russian hordes rush across the border, it will be necessary to go through Poland and ... Ukraine!

I don’t know how real the figure of 700 self-propelled guns in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is, in my opinion, fantasy. Or fantasy. For why then buy Soviet old stuff all over Europe and get cannon artillery from the storerooms?

"Nons" is generally ridiculous. Well, let's also write a few "Cornflowers" into the cannon artillery. And in general, then beauty will be on paper.

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 have been either in storage for years, or in line for modernization and in-line repairs) do not particularly affect the combat capability of tank troops. 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 is tactically more flexible in our conditions, and they can tritely complete 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 storage facilities, having carried out an average or major overhaul. It is difficult enough to name the exact figure so as not to catch repeated repairs. ”

Honestly. Well done. Indeed, these T-84s and Oplots, and with them the Bogdan self-propelled guns, are in the furnace, since Ukraine is not able to produce them. You give cheap and cheerful: T-64! Upgraded as far as there is enough strength (that is, a little).

Moreover, if there is enough strength (money), then even from such junk as the T-64, candy can be obtained. Well, as in Russia with the T-72. Pulled up to T-72B3? Fine? What prevents the same with the T-64 to crank? Only money and hands.

Of course, it is worth noting that Russia still has the T-90MS, but let's not talk about sad things. As well as about 3,000 potential T-80Us in storage and 450 in service. Yes, it seems that there are also T-80s in Ukraine, but in more modest quantities (146 and 22, respectively), and even then, if not sold.

“Today, Ukraine has up to 17 tank battalions and 12-13 individual companies in all departments, and together with tanks for the battalions of the reserve corps - these 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 more than in 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.

Uh… Shivering. 800 cars is serious. It is no less serious that there are no spare parts for them, there is no way to arrange the production of these spare parts, there are no hands to make repairs, there are no heads to establish proper maintenance of the T-72, which is uncharacteristic for Ukraine. Yes, there is nothing.

I don’t know where these tanks will fetter the Russian army and on what isthmus there (this, apparently, if they trample on the Crimea). I only know that, most likely, they will be burned on the first day of the war (Staver and I wrote that the tank was, is and will be a test target for everyone who can record it at their own expense) by Russian Mi-24, Ka-52, Mi-28N, Su-25 and Su-34.

It would be better if Kirill wrote his thoughts than the Armed Forces of Ukraine are going to cover their tanks and so on. Because I understand that they will hold back Russian troops for as long as it takes time to destroy them from the air. That is, a little.

“Thanks 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.”

I read and thought. S-125 and "Cuba" - is this serious? Interestingly, there is no S-75 left in the stash? Then, probably, the air will definitely be intact in Ukraine. There is something to fear.

“Let’s summarize. 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.

Imperceptibly serious modernization of the machine park at Vizar, Artyom, in 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 BTR-4 in Kharkov. The transfer of 4 EW helicopters to the MTR unit was not too publicized, and the fact that EW complexes are already working on the front end, and they are working effectively regarding the fight against UAVs. 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.

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 still needs more effort and funding, but there is solid and confident progress that is hard to miss.”

But this is smart. This way of posing the question can even be applauded. Good presentation of material. Clever. Not just “It hasn’t died yet, it hasn’t died yet”, but a completely normal story that there are a lot of problems, but they will be solved sooner or later.

That is, the reader is given what he wants. Half-truth or almost no lie. Indeed, one cannot but agree that the Armed Forces of Ukraine-2018 and the Armed Forces of Ukraine-2014 are fundamentally different things. And the Armed Forces of Ukraine-2018 is already an army.

Yes, an army fit for war like the beginning of the last century or with third or fourth world countries, but an army. And this cannot be denied.

But for the war Russian army– more than doubtful.

But if you really want to believe in it - why not? Can? Can. It's not harmful until it comes to a real collision.

The Israeli development of TAR-21 is produced under license at the Vinnytsia Fort enterprise. The rifle was developed according to the “Bullup” system, when the magazine and the trigger mechanism are located behind the trigger (in contrast to the traditional design of the machine gun - 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, sighting 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 Javelin missile system, which operates on the “fire and forget” principle. 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 gun. 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.

Back in 2006, the government remembered that everything needed to create missiles was located on the territory of Dnepropetrovsk. As you know, during the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine abandoned its nuclear potential. But due to the unfolding events in this moment there are more and more rumors that the country is again ready to develop missiles and other land-based weapons. Thus, it is worth paying attention to the actions of the state in last years to determine which modern missile weapon Ukraine can be produced on the territory of this country.

The history of the resumption of the creation of rockets

In 2009, a column appeared in the country's budget on the allocation of funds for the creation of a combat missile, which will be called the Sapsan. The case cost just under $7 million. The project is the creation of a multifunctional operational-tactical complex to increase the country's ability to fend for itself. The main part of the funds was sent to the Yuzhnoye design bureau, which is located in Dnepropetrovsk. In the same year, the bureau was able to defend and convey to the government about the benefits of its development.

At that time, the Ministry of Defense fully supported the project and considered it necessary to create it. Another reason for resuming the production of missiles was the fact that by 2015-2016, that is, by now, the weapons that were in Ukraine will become unusable and will be subject to decommissioning. Therefore, when Viktor Yanukovych took office, he supported in 2011 the continuation of the production of the Sapsan complex. And in 2012, the project was suspended due to funding. But despite such interruptions in funding, the design bureau continues to create types of which are very diverse.

"Sapsan" now

The director of the Bureau tried to support the development, but still he did not succeed. First, the project lost its priority of importance, and then it was completely brought to naught. At the moment, the only prospect that awaits Ukraine regarding this complex is 2018. This is how much time the bureau needs to fully complete the project and provide missile system for testing. At first it was assumed that the range of the missiles would be 280 kilometers with an accuracy of a couple of meters, but now Yuzhnoye is proposing to increase the range to 500 kilometers.

Rocket "Scud"

Back in 2010, it was announced that Scud liquid-fuel missiles were completely destroyed as a missile weapon of Ukraine. They were created during the Second World War. By the way, this model is considered one of the most common around the world. Recently it turned out that there are still some copies of this weapon on the territory of the country, and are actively used in the struggle between the east of Ukraine and the armed forces of the country.

It is worth noting that despite the range of this weapon (the radius of destruction is up to 300 kilometers), it is very inaccurate, hitting the target can deviate to a rather indefinite distance of up to 500 meters. At the same time, the unit weighs almost a ton.

Rocket "Point"

Ukraine still claims that it does not use these missiles. For the missile system to work, you need to know in advance the location of the enemy. Four warheads are produced with precisely specified coordinates. The blow is applied depending on the set coordinates and the range at which the shooting is carried out.

The error can be from 10 to 200 meters. In this case, one warhead strikes from 2 to about 6 hectares. The rocket's flight speed exceeds 1000 meters per second. This weapon can play a decisive role in any fight. But officially, Ukrainians refuse to use this type of weapon. It remains to be seen whether this warhead constitutes Ukraine's missile weapon.

Rocket "Grom-2"

Back in the early nineties, the Dnepropetrovsk Design Bureau presented the idea of ​​​​producing the Grom-2 operational-tactical missile. The range of its flight should be 500 meters. The original name of this project is "Borisfen". At that time, through this missile system, a new protective shield of Ukraine was to be created to replace obsolete weapons. At that time there were more than 200 launchers Scud and Tochka-U missiles. But taking into account the social and economic state of the country, the creation of missiles was an irrelevant issue. In addition, the army was then constantly reduced. Then the Yuzhnoye State Bureau began to send sketches of their inventions to foreign exhibitions, where these rockets were called Thunder.

Ukrainian-made military weapons and equipment often attract attention at such international exhibitions. These developments involved the creation of a new generation of precision-guided weapons that would be capable of providing the country with a shield capable of withstanding a non-nuclear attack. The missile system was intended to destroy stationary group and single targets. The range of the missiles would be from 80 to 500 kilometers. In this case, the rockets would be quite light, less than half a ton. It was planned to create an onboard inertial type system equipped with navigation and guidance. The launcher would have an automatic character, and the basis for it would be a chassis with a complete set of automatic preparation for launching warheads.

Rocket "Korshun-2"

One of the priority tasks of the Dnepropetrovsk Design Bureau is the development of the Korshun-2 missile and rocket weapon system. This is a multifunctional missile system, the main task of which is to provide the country's shield capable of withstanding a non-nuclear attack. The project will use cruise missiles capable of hitting ground targets. In theory, he could fully represent Ukraine's missile weapons. The payload of the missiles does not exceed half a ton, and the range of the warhead is 300 kilometers. The estimated mass of the combat equipment of the complex will be 480 kilograms. New cruise missile will reach a flight altitude of 50 kilometers with the ability to go around the terrain, taking into account its relief.

"Ukraine". missile cruiser

The country also has a missile cruiser, but, unfortunately, its use is impossible. Therefore, the head of the naval forces decided to sell it. With the proceeds, the country will be able to replenish its resources to protect water areas. The main problem of the missile cruiser is that almost 80 percent of the vessel operates with Russian equipment. This missile cruiser could well represent Ukraine's high-precision weapons. At the moment, such products are not produced on the territory of Ukraine, so the ship is, as they say, idle, and cannot serve the good of the motherland.

Unfortunately, the cost of the cruiser on the market is much lower than the country spent on its creation and maintenance, but now it is more profitable for the state to sell it than to continue to maintain and maintain the state. It could represent a new weapon of war for Ukraine, because the ship is equipped with a medium range, there are installations for anti-ship missiles, and 3 batteries of thirty-millimeter six-barreled guns are also installed. The cruiser is equipped with a torpedo tube, an artillery system, and this is not all that is installed on it.

Weapon

It is known that Ukraine will start using modern small arms of the world only from 2016. Today, every Ukrainian soldier is equipped with a type of Kalashnikov assault rifle, one of the models of TT, PM or PS pistols, as well as a wide variety. In some cases, there are light machine guns and grenade launchers. For the fighters of some units, sniper rifles are issued.

There are models of Ukrainian-made weapons and units purchased abroad. Almost all of these weapons are left over from Soviet times. But the command is not going to stop at obsolete models, non-standard models are already being encountered, representing the new small arms of Ukraine. They are created both within the state and abroad. Basically, among the new weapons there are sniper rifles, pistols and other units for single weapons.

Nuclear weapons of Ukraine

According to experts, to create atomic bomb Ukraine lacks only money. After all, everything else is present in the state in vast quantities. Resources are mined in local mines, and scientists have remained and are ready to resume their labor activity. In addition, there are carriers in Ukraine capable of delivering a ready-made bomb to enemy territory. In addition, there is also the equipment necessary to create a warhead. As we can see, Ukrainian still exists, at least according to experts and analysts.

Everyone is well aware that the country does not have money for this business, but the option of using old reserves is quite possible. During the disarmament of the country, part of the stocks of weapons disappeared. For example, one nuclear warhead and two strategic bombers are missing. At the end of the nineties, the elimination of all nuclear missiles in the territory was officially announced, but over time, more than thirty combat units were found in the warehouses. Therefore, according to foreign experts, if the weapon is found, it will be enough to deliver warning strikes and more.

Ukraine for several years of its independence and especially after the victory of the "orange revolution" has become a real dump for all kinds of military trash from around the world. Junk that they are trying to use in battle.

Saxon armored personnel carriers

The April 2016 issue of the British military magazine The Royal Armored Corps Journal (published by the Royal Armored Corps) published an article by Joan P. Holloway about the well-known old British Saxon AT-105 wheeled armored personnel carriers acquired by Ukraine.

The editors of the Military Observer do not agree with the conclusions and theses of the author, but we will quote an excerpt from the article in fact verbatim.

When the Ukrainian democratic government, desperate for weapons to defend itself, the victim of a vicious hybrid war by Vladimir Putin's resurgent Russia, bought 75 1980s Saxon wheeled armored personnel carriers decommissioned from the British Army in the 1980s for ridiculous money through a private British intermediary in 2014, this caused numerous wry grins both in Britain itself and in Ukraine. "Old ugly pumpkins" - such memories Saxons left about themselves with many British military personnel, who compared them during their service with the latest Warrior infantry fighting vehicles and Challenger tanks. The Ukrainians themselves considered this purchase as an obviously temporary solution until more modern cars were received from the West.

A year after Saxon's arrival in Ukraine, estimates have changed dramatically. Representative of the British military advisory mission in Ukraine, Major Peter Campbell (Peter Campbell), responsible for assisting Ukrainians in the development of Western automobile and armored vehicles, says that his Ukrainian wards are delighted with Saxon.

It is difficult for us to judge whether the Ukrainian military were delighted or simply put on a good face when bad game, so that their overseas patrons do not “push” them with a new supply of something “cheerful”.

A certain "Sparrow" from the 95th airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine assured his British adviser that "Ukraine has not seen anything better than Saxon", but he is now sure for life that "half an inch of Saxon armor is equal to an inch of armor for Russians."

And here are the sea trials of the "cool" armored personnel carrier and the old BRDM-2

Allegedly high in Saxon and mine resistance. Several cars were blown up by mines and IEDs, but the damage and casualties were insignificant ... the imitation explosive package, not otherwise, otherwise this Saxon would have blown into the meat (approx. Military observer)

Acquired in the UK Saxon AT-105 armored personnel carrier of the Ukrainian army (c) The Royal Armored Corps Journal

It is worth noting that in February 2016, these 19 Saxon armored vehicles were purchased from Mozambique and, for some reason, secretly loaded onto a ship at night and taken to Ukraine.

Decommissioned British Saxon AT-105 armored personnel carriers selected for acquisition by Ukraine (c) The Royal Armored Corps Journal Former British Saxon AT-105 armored personnel carriers purchased from Mozambique before being loaded for shipment to Ukraine at the seaport of Maputo, February 2016 (c) Peter Campbell / The Royal Armored Corps Journal
Armored personnel carriers "Saxon" are located on the territory of one of military units. © facebook.com/Yuri Biryukov

Armored cars even before the mandrel to the front line managed to light up in an accident. Column military equipment moved along the highway leading to Kharkov. One of the drivers lost control, which caused the armored personnel carrier to fly into a ditch and roll over. The driver died on the spot. Another armored personnel carrier flew off the road and crashed into a fence.

Frame RIA Novosti Ukraine

AmericanHUMVEE

Petro Poroshenko meets "fraternal" help. Photo: Korrespondent.net

HUMVEE cross-country vehicles for Ukraine were delivered in a “heavily used” configuration directly from Iraq. According to the testimony of the British military adviser in Ukraine, Major Peter Campbell (Peter Campbell), in a state unsuitable for movement, their tires simply crumbled, because the resource of the machines was actually exhausted. All weapons and equipment were removed from the vehicles.

But this is how Ukraine wanted to get them

Korrespondent.net
Armored car HUMVEE from the forces of KFOR (Kosovo) migrated to Ukraine / Photo: informnapalm.org
And this is him ... only at the LNR militia / Photo: TASS

Replica RPG-7 instead of Javelins

A military observer has already introduced you to the leaked details of a deal between the United States and Ukraine to buy replicas of Soviet RPG-7s instead of modern Javelin anti-tank systems. Recall that, according to documents worth more than half a million dollars, rather ancient weapons were delivered to Ukraine, albeit in a modern version.

Weapon

It is reliably known about the supply and use of American long-range large-caliber sniper rifles 12.7 mm Barret M82 and M107 by units of the Armed Forces of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Barret M82 / Photo: twitter.com Barret M107 / Forum.alexklm.ru

Hello from Lebanon

We have already understood what a "high-quality" and most important MODERN weapon are supplied to the valiant Ukrainian army by its "allies", and now, let's pay attention to the recent American supply to Lebanon.

As the US Embassy in Lebanon reported on August 14, 2017, on that day, a ceremony was held in the port of Beirut to hand over the first eight M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to the Lebanese army as part of American military assistance. The vehicles were transferred from the presence of the US Army (absolutely identical to those used by the Americans themselves) and were delivered to Beirut. In total, 32 M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles are expected to be transferred to Lebanon as part of the next US military assistance package worth more than $100 million.

The first eight M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles donated to the Lebanese Army as US military assistance. In the background, the first four M992 armored vehicles for transporting artillery ammunition are also visible. Beirut, 08/14/2017 (c) Bilal Hussein / AR
The ceremony of handing over the first eight M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to the Lebanese Army in the form of US military assistance, with the participation of US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard. Beirut, 08/14/2017 (c) Bilal Hussein / AR The first eight M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles transferred to the Lebanese army as US military assistance. Beirut, 08/14/2017 (c) Bilal Hussein / AR

And here is a small list of lethal weapons for a small country with big American interests.

- M198 Howitzer howitzer - 40 units.

- Humvee armored vehicles - 50 units.

- light attack aircraft Cessna AC-208B Combat Caravan armed with Hellfire missiles - 1 unit.

- mortars - 55 units.

- AGS Mark-19 - 50 units.

- machine guns - 1100 units, including 800 machine guns of 50 caliber

- M4 rifles - 4000 units.

- more than half a million rounds

- night vision devices and thermal imaging systems - 320 units.

- radio stations with communication encryption - 360 units.

Simultaneously with eight M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, the first four M992 armored vehicles for transporting artillery ammunition were handed over to the Lebanese army. In March 2017, it became known about the upcoming transfer to Lebanon in the form of military assistance from the presence of the US Army 24 M109A5 self-propelled howitzers of 155 mm caliber and ten armored vehicles for transporting M992 artillery ammunition to them. Delivery of the rest of this equipment is expected before the end of the year.

For the first time, the United States is transferring abroad in the order of military assistance the BMP M2 Bradley from the presence. Lebanon thus became the second foreign operator of the BMP M2 Bradley after Saudi Arabia, which received 400 new production vehicles in 1991-1994.

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 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 prime example 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 weapon of the 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.

Hopak is not the only example of the 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.