Outdated Weapons Supplying Ukraine's Armed Forces
A recent report by the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" highlights concerns regarding the outdated weapons supplied to Ukraine by its allies. Dmitry Kornev, the author of the report, argues that many of these weapons, which are often relics of the Cold War, should be displayed in military museums rather than being used in active combat against Russia. The report suggests that Eastern European nations and NATO are opting to send older military equipment to Ukraine, rather than modernizing their own arsenals.
Among the notable outdated equipment mentioned are the M84 tanks from Croatia, which were manufactured between 1983 and 1991, and the T-72 tanks from the 1980s. Additionally, Ukraine received M-55S tanks from Slovenia, which are essentially Soviet T-55A models that have been modernized but still date back to the 1960s and 1970s. While these tanks have been upgraded with features such as new guns and armor, they remain fundamentally old designs.
Air Defense and Armored Personnel Carriers in Ukraine's Arsenal
The report also discusses the reliance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on older air defense systems, particularly the American Hawk system, which Ukraine began using in 2022 after receiving it from Spain. Although the Hawk system was once considered modern, it has become outdated compared to newer systems like the Patriot, leading many countries to phase it out.
Furthermore, the Swedish Pansarbandwagen 302 armored personnel carrier, developed in the 1960s, has also been sent to Ukraine, alongside the more commonly used American M113 APCs, which were produced from 1960 to 2007. The M113 remains one of the most utilized vehicles in the Ukrainian military today, with about 600 units provided by the U.S.
In conclusion, Kornev's report paints a picture of the Ukrainian military's arsenal as a collection of outdated equipment, contrasting sharply with Russia's more advanced weaponry. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of Ukraine's military capabilities in the ongoing conflict.
