Ukraine has already started a systematic transition from Soviet-era weapons to NATO standards, but this process remains difficult and is accompanied by numerous challenges – in particular, in the field of equipment repair and provision of necessary components. This opinion was expressed by military expert Serhiy Zgurets in an exclusive comment for UNN.
All our weapons samples, if we are talking about artillery systems or armored vehicles of Soviet production, were supplied by European partners, and, figuratively speaking, we received spare parts from them. When it comes to other samples, in particular aviation equipment, components for the repair of MiG-29 and Su-27, we also look for them in Europe or in African countries where these samples are still used, especially when it comes to key elements. If we talk about air defense systems, S-300, we also look for missiles for them abroad. However, now it is almost impossible
Currently, according to the expert, the Ukrainian side is implementing solutions that allow, in a certain way, to adapt critically necessary complexes and systems, as well as missing components to the existing material and technical base. At the same time, the necessary elements are actively sought wherever possible.
"Until a certain period, strangely enough, it was China. Because we, so to speak, supplied individual electronic components for those planes that were supplied to China. In particular, some amplifiers related to the operation of evacuation complexes. Aircraft need locators, 'eyes', a whole list of unique elements, the production of which was extremely difficult. We partially deployed their production at our enterprises, but also tried to obtain them from China. Something was possible to get, something - no. This was and remains one of the most difficult areas," - explained the military expert.
The expert notes that the transfer of MiG-29s from Poland and other countries has somewhat improved the situation, as some of the aircraft were received in a format suitable for dismantling for spare parts. At the same time, the situation with the Su-27 is more complicated due to the limited number of such machines in the world - currently, the needs are mainly covered by Ukrainian enterprises. Similar difficulties arise with the S-300 and Buk complexes, as their electronic base was produced exclusively in Russia. Partial solution to the problem was provided by deliveries from Poland, Romania and Kazakhstan. In the case of armored vehicles, components were sought even in the countries of Africa and Asia. The expert notes that currently difficulties arise in one way or another with all types of equipment that requires diversified maintenance.
"There is a lot of equipment for repair - there are both old and new samples, the parks are extremely diverse. These are extremely complex repair and logistics processes - starting from American equipment, European and any other," - emphasized Serhiy Zgurets.
Summing up, the expert noted that the time of Soviet technology is gradually passing. The full-scale war became a point of transition for Ukraine to European and domestic weapons, as well as to NATO standards. This movement is systematic and consistent. With the beginning of the full-scale war, supplies from international partners intensified, and now it is a stable process that does not raise doubts. Only questions of time and scale of transition remain.
Thus, Ukraine's transition from Soviet to Western weapons is not only a requirement of the times, but also a strategic necessity. At the same time, it is important that this process takes place gradually and in parallel with the development of its own military-industrial complex, in particular aviation production. Ukraine must preserve and rethink its existing technical heritage, creating modern samples based on Soviet developments. Otherwise, there is a risk of increasing critical dependence on foreign weapons.
Let us remind
Experts note that most of the Ukrainian aircraft fleet, especially military, in the process of maintenance and repair requires specific components, access to which is often limited or completely lost. Despite the fact that such details are already difficult to find, enterprises face additional legal barriers and formal blocking of supplies by regulatory bodies. This includes spare parts of Soviet or Russian production of the 90s, which have been stored in warehouses in EU countries for decades. At the same time, military needs remain urgent and require prompt solutions to ensure the defense capability of the state. Representatives of the aviation industry emphasize: without clear steps from the state and legislative permission to import old components from third countries, Ukraine risks losing not only aviation infrastructure, but also specialists who ensure the functioning of both civil and military aviation.