Ministry of Defence: Domestic enterprises are mastering the production of models of modernized armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery systems

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Kyiv, February 19, 2016. More than 40,000 pieces of weapons and military equipment have been restored and made serviceable over the two years, – informed Colonel Viktoria Kushnir, Ministry of Defense of Ukraine spokesperson, at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. “Indeed, over the two years the armories have mastered repairing all types of mortars, ground artillery and “Grad” multiple launch rocket systems.”

“Production capacities for repairing all types of weapons and military equipment have been increased two to three times through training and attracting more people,” said Victoria Kushnir. According to her, metrological service experts have mastered repairing control systems of armament of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, as well as “Storm” anti-tank systems and “Strela-10” anti-aircraft missile systems directly on the contact line. They also mastered restoring jet rockets and rockets of man-portable air defense systems in the field, and organized re-equipment of grenade launcher rounds into hand grenades.

Capacities of Zhytomyr, Lviv, Shepetivka and other armor repair plants have been increased considerably. “Along with the repairs, these enterprises are mastering the production of models of modernized BMP-1, BTR-70, new BTR-3 models, “Dozor” armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery systems, etc.,” noted the Ministry of Defense spokesperson.

Domestic enterprises cooperate to produce 82- and 120-millimeter mortars, to conduct comparative tests of armored vehicles “Kozak”, “Bars,” “Reno,” “Vakhta,” T-64 and T-72 tanks with a new set of night vision devices. They are working on development of salvo artillery rocket system of less than 100 millimeters caliber, informed Colonel Kushnir. According to her, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has put 28 pieces of weapons and military equipment into service over 2 years. “Development of more than 40 models of weapons is being continued. 22 types of weapon have been put into trial operation. We are studying the ideas of domestic inventors and designers of large-caliber rifles (14.5 and 12.7 mm), which will make it possible to fight with lightly-armored enemy vehicles on the front line,” emphasized the Ministry of Defence spokesperson.

The construction of unmanned aerial systems “Furiya,” “Spektator” and others is being continued. The construction of An-148 series aircraft for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has begun. “Korsar” light anti-tank systems are being developed. “Stugna-P” anti-missile systems are being delivered to the troops. “”The Naval Forces have received the first armored artillery boats; the Air Force fleet of combat aircraft is gradually updated with modernized Su-27, Su-25, MiG-29, L-39 and with Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters equipped with the latest means of protection,” noted Victoria Kushnir.

The Ministry of Defence spokesperson also reported that in the framework of strengthening the air defense of the state attention is focused on supplying troops with modernized anti-aircraft missile systems “Buk” and “S-125”. The latest electronic warfare stations “Enclave” and aeronautical stations “Omut” are ready for trials