“Ukraine should invest in its own production, technology, workplaces and service infrastructure.”, – WRITE: www.pravda.com.ua
Most are aware that the period of a somewhat chaotic but unconditional support for Ukraine remains behind. Therefore, the prospect in the Ukrainian market will have the one who will provide efficient production taking into account the capacity of the market and needs for the next 10 years.
First of all, it is about the further development of real production in Ukraine. We approach the model that we will buy what we really need, not what is currently on the market. Priority will have products that are quickly and inexpensive to service. The presence of which will gradually correct the disproportions in the arms line caused by the supply of all available during a certain period of time.
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The reverse side of deliveries of the first three years of a full -scale war is the operation of an abundance of excessive amounts of OWT samples, which creates a technical mixture. Ukraine has to serve rulers consisting of dozens of the same type of equipment of different manufacturers. Where Poles, Czechs or Germans have three to four samples, we have 30 or more.
The most prominent situation is just in the segment of automotive equipment. According to the Ministry of Defense, more than 110 samples have been admitted to the Armed Forces since March 2022. These are armored cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles and special equipment. This fleet includes manufacturers from two dozen countries. In addition to Ukraine, it is the USA, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, Canada …
At present, there is a need and real opportunity to limit the unjustified variety of light wheel armored vehicles by refusing imports with a simultaneous rate of internal products tested by war. The use of domestic armored vehicles will contribute to our technological self -sufficiency, because the dependence on foreign suppliers makes us vulnerable in the conditions of foreign policy turbulence. With expansion of local production, Ukraine will be able to provide itself with equipment without external factors.
I am familiar with the capabilities of the main Ukrainian manufacturers of lightweight armored vehicles. I have no doubt that we are able to produce the necessary volumes of optimal number of samples. For us, it is an absolutely real task to fully fulfill the needs of the Armed Forces and other power structures that make up several thousand units every year.
Under these conditions, we gradually narrow the ruler and build the optimal systems of logistics, maintenance and repair along the front line.
In the conditions of wide lines with a large number of imported samples, this task cannot be accomplished. The ideal logistics shoulder for repair and restoration of MRAP class (wheeled armored machine with enhanced mine protection) – 100 km from the front edge. At this distance, there should be a technical hub of the manufacturer or working mobile services with qualified repair groups, spare parts and equipment. The whole line operated on a certain area of the front should be serviced there.
This is how leading Ukrainian manufacturers should work. For example, repair crews of Ukr ARMO Tech, which supplies armored vehicles to almost all state customers, serve up to 70% of equipment on the ground. Typical repair of the machine takes several days. No more than a third of machines require maintenance at basic capacity. So, we can maintain the combat capability of all the equipment.
With foreign equipment repair, the situation is more complicated. It requires a special approach to maintenance, special tools and qualified specialists, trained abroad. This process requires additional financial costs and a lot of time.
According to analysts of our company, the cost of the Ukrainian serial armored vehicle MRAP is lower than a typical foreign analogue by 30-50%. And given the cost of logistics and maintenance of foreign technology, this difference can double. We communicate with fighters who use light wheel armored vehicles almost daily. And also – with the commanders of the units that operate it. Their choice is unambiguous – machines of leading Ukrainian manufacturers, given the cost and availability of maintenance.
Another argument that has to be heard from the military: foreign armored vehicles were developed in view of other theaters of war, which does not always correspond to the specifics of combat missions in Ukraine. At the same time, Ukrainian designers take into account local factors: landscape, climate, features of combat use.
I am convinced that Ukraine should invest in its own production, technology, workplaces and service infrastructure. The refusal to purchase foreign armored vehicles in favor of domestic production is a strategically correct solution. It will save Ukraine and increase technological independence.
After all, for Ukrainian companies, the production of military equipment for the needs of their own army is not just business but also civic responsibility. We are interested and do everything you need to get our defenders to receive quality cars that can protect them in the most risky situations, and we succeed.
Gennady Hirgiy, Director of UKR ARMO Tech – the leading national producer of armored vehicles
A column is a material that reflects the author’s point of view. The text of the column does not claim the objectivity and comprehensive coverage of the topic that rises in it. The editorial board of “Ukrainian Truth” is not responsible for the accuracy and interpretation of the information provided and plays only the role of the carrier. The point of view of the UP editorial board may not coincide with the point of view of the author of the column.