Russian military blogger exposes neglected equipment stockpiles
A Russian military blogger has revealed the truth about the extensive Russian stockpiles of military equipment. Here are his reflections.
The Russian military blogger posted a comprehensive analysis of VKontakte regarding the equipment replacements currently supplied and the capabilities of the Russian production industry.
He criticises the Soviet method of storing equipment outdoors without even the simplest hangars, giving it a failing grade. However, the Russian authorities deserve criticism for ignoring this situation. As a result, for several decades, the equipment stored outside has been exposed to rain and snow, leaving it in a poor state that requires extensive work.
He notes, for example, that on average, three BMP-1/2s are needed to assemble one functional vehicle after a complete overhaul. Furthermore, the situation is worsened because the best models were set aside for export, such as to Syria, leaving the least reliable models for Russia. The supposedly vast Russian military-industrial complex is merely a facade.
He explains that for years, the industry practically survived on the legacy of the USSR, which involved repairing and upgrading older equipment before selling it. Current companies, unlike those in the USSR, are unable to physically produce new equipment, and this is beginning to affect production capabilities now that post-Soviet shells have been used as production bases.
The blogger also notes that a large order for artillery ammunition for arms companies only appeared in 2022, following a significant reduction in the number of factories in the 1990s and 2000s.
The Russian wants to emulate European storage models
He claims that restructuring storage warehouses will be one of the most important issues after the end of the "special operation" (as the war in Ukraine is referred to in Russia). He points to Germany as an example, where Leopard tanks are stored in heated hangars. Tanks are stored similarly in a Belgian private warehouse, OIP.
As a minimum, he suggests placing equipment exclusively on concrete slabs rather than grass, as is often the case now, and directing pipes with hot air to each vehicle to dry the interior. In the meantime, rain protection should include shelters or waterproof covers, akin to those used at damaged car auctions in the USA.
