Status of Russian Military Industrial Complex (MIC)

I think it is ok to put the SPG artillery factories under UVZ. There is a lot of overlap there. But putting the gunpowder factories also under Rostec is something I am less keen on. Rostec already has way too much power and influence as it is.

Comparing the size of weapons production/exports in Dollar terms is 

Russia has lost a lot of weapon sales ever since the US started the CAATSA. Examples of this are the fighter aircraft sales to Indonesia and Egypt. In some other cases Russia lost weapon sales because of sanctions on weapon component imports. For example the Gepard frigate sales to Vietnam. In other cases you can attribute missed sales due to issues with Russia's own MIC in delivering products on time like the Tigr corvette sales to Algeria, or the Lada submarine sales to Indonesia.

Algeria started buying ships from China and might buy other systems where previously they only bought weapons from Russia. And Vietnam also started buying weapons from Israel and other countries. A lot of the countries which would have bought fighters from Russia, which did not because of CAATSA, switched to French fighters instead.

India seems to be going into the Western orbit by joining AUKUS and letting the US Navy use their ports. They increasingly also are buying more weapons from the West.

China is increasing making their own weapons.

Russian successes in the Syrian and Ukrainian conflicts and continued expansion of BRICS might turn the situation around however. If Russian weapons are perceived to be more cost effective, and Russia is perceived as someone you can rely upon to defend your country on a pinch, weapon sales will likely increase again. If countries are more economically integrated and have SWIFT alternatives then sanctions will also lose a lot of their bite.

The Omsk plant looks like a promising heavy vehicle manufacturing complex, its far away enough from the European theater which makes it safe from potential Ukrainian, Baltic, Finnish and assorted NATO drone and medium range ballistic and cruise missile attacks.

There are a lot of comments in the video suggesting that the plant looks kind of outdated, I think its in the best interest of the Russian MIC to update this plant and expand its production capacity as well as build a research and development complex nearby to upgrade this plant from just manufacturing tanks to developing newer and advanced weapon systems.

To me the factory looks clean and even has been freshly painted. Given that the factory originally serially produced T-80 tanks you can also hardly expect it to be highly automated for T-72 upgrades. Upgrades imply a lot of work checking individual parts to see if they are operational and this needs to be done by hand basically. I think in the long term however Russia needs to reactivate the tank upgrade and repair centers and dedicate large factories such as this to new tank production.

PhSt wrote:The Omsk plant looks like a promising heavy vehicle manufacturing complex, its far away enough from the European theater which makes it safe from potential Ukrainian, Baltic, Finnish and assorted NATO drone and medium range ballistic and cruise missile attacks.

There are a lot of comments in the video suggesting that the plant looks kind of outdated, I think its in the best interest of the Russian MIC to update this plant and expand its production capacity as well as build a research and development complex nearby to upgrade this plant from just manufacturing tanks to developing newer and advanced weapon systems.

To start with they can at least get it back to actually manufacturing tanks, or anything really, as right now it's just a glorified repair plant

As long as there are a few thousand tanks left in storage, it will work just fine.
You still don't take into account that Russia does produce fresh new tanks. What can't be said about any NATO country other than Turkey.
If some accountings made public that at least 120+ T-90M has been made in the last year, this number is insane and higher than all tanks NATO refurbished. Adding Koreans.

Anyone realized it is a video from 10 years ago?
The TV program called polygon I used to watch.
So it has nothing to do with the factory nowadays.

Im not sure what kind of cooperation agreement has been agreed between the two parties, but I think Russia can benefit greatly from North Korean labor and perhaps even know how in some areas of security and defence tech, perhaps even partner with North Korean intelligence community in foreign territory to steal South Korean, Taiwanese, NATO defense technologies or even civilian tech like those related to semiconductor manufacturing to help grow Russian and North Korean microelectronics industry.

This is the most informative post in 2023 until today.
So informative...

Putin supported the transfer of the United Shipbuilding Corporation to the management of VTB

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/4736219.html

Interview with Rostec, touching all the MIC points we have been asking ourselves for the last months...

Vladimir Artyakov: the production of armored vehicles has been increased fourfold since the beginning of the SVO

The international military-technical forum "Army-2023"will be held in Kubinka near Moscow from August 14 to 20. Traditionally, the largest part of the exhibition will be occupied by the stands of holdings and enterprises belonging to the Rostec State Corporation. They will present about a thousand samples of weapons and equipment. On the eve of the exhibition, Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec, spoke in an interview with Dmitry Reshetnikov, Deputy head of the military editorial office of RIA Novosti, about the study of enterprises ' experience in using weapons in the free defense zone, expanding the range of guided missiles for MLRS, creating long-range artillery for parrying NATO howitzers, launching the production of new remote mining systems, and supplying new body armor by corporation enterprises in the zone of the SVO, stopping Western sniper bullets, and also about increasing the rate of production of Su-57 fighters and the timing of their deliveries with the second-stage engine, modernization of Su-25 attack aircraft, and much more.
– What does Rostec plan to present at the forum this year?
– For us, this is one of the most important platforms for interaction with partners and customers. The plan of business events is rich, a number of signings and meetings are planned. And, of course, almost the entire range of weapons and equipment of our production will be presented – only about one thousand samples. These are aviation, armored vehicles, small arms and equipment, artillery and air defense and electronic warfare systems, communication facilities and systems, and the widest range of ammunition.
I would like to note that almost all of these products are currently used in the Free Trade Zone. You will be able to see with your own eyes the weapons and combat vehicles that are currently fighting on the front line. Many samples were significantly improved based on the results of combat use, taking into account the recommendations of military personnel. So, viewers will be able to see the Su-57, Su-35S, MiG-35 and Su-30SM fighters. Mi-28NE, Ka-52M and Ka-52E combat helicopters. Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" and TOS-2 "Tosochka". Undoubtedly, the engineering system of remote mining "Agriculture"will be of particular interest. Modern tanks, as well as light armored vehicles – BMP-3M, BMD-4M, BTR-MDM and BT-3F-will be presented. I am sure that much attention will be paid to equipment and equipment for combating drones. After all, the threats associated with drones are growing rapidly. This is not only about military operations, but also the use of UAVs for sabotage, espionage, and so on. We will present the Serp-VS5 UAV counteraction system and the Kupol-PRO portable complex. As well as a number of other developments in the field of electronic suppression, which are able to "land" the drone. And, of course, we will demonstrate air defense systems for the physical destruction of drones. These are Pantsiri, Verba, Igla-S man-portable air defense systems, and others.
Special attention this year is paid to the means of protecting military personnel and equipment. In particular, we will show new bulletproof vests "Obereg" produced by the Tula "Oktava" and new smoke grenades RDG-U from TSNIITOCHMASH for protection against high-precision weapons.
I will also mention the means of protecting armored vehicles from reconnaissance and attack drones, high-precision projectiles. For example, active protection systems for tanks and light armored vehicles, including Arena-E ,various types of smoke ammunition and heat traps.
– You mentioned the Obereg bulletproof vests. What is their advantage over analogs?
– We wanted to create a bulletproof vest that would protect the health and lives of military personnel at a qualitatively new level. At the same time, it would remain easy and convenient, since nothing should interfere with the fighter during the task. And we did it.
The weight of the "Amulet" is only about 11.7 kilograms. The novelty was tested not only with standard 7.62 x 54 mm bullets for the Br-5 class, but also with bullets of a more powerful caliber – 8.6 mm. The ceramic plate withstood such a hit. We also conducted shootings of American and Chinese classmates. Tests have shown that foreign vests are powerless against such a check and give up.
The soldiers on the front line have already received an experienced batch of our bulletproof vests and were satisfied. However, we continue to improve the "Amulet". In the modified version of the ammunition, we have achieved very high performance – it is lighter by almost two kilograms, while protecting the fighter just as reliably.
- Tell us about the special coating "Cape", which is designed to protect tanks on the battlefield. How does it work, what are the prospects for development?
– This is a real antidote to satellite and aviation intelligence. It was created by the Kalashnikov Research Institute of Steel. Let me remind you that this company also develops dynamic protection for armored vehicles. The masking material reduces the visibility of tanks and other military equipment in a wide range of wavelengths. It protects against detection by radar and thermal imaging devices, and its deforming color provides optical masking. Manufacturers of armored vehicles have already received the first samples of the "Cape". I am sure that tanks and infantry fighting vehicles in the future will definitely be regularly equipped with this protective material.
– How does the Vitebsk helicopter defense system perform in the free zone? Do you plan to further improve it, taking into account the experience of the SVO? Are there any other projects of complexes for the protection of army aviation? Based on other principles?
– This development demonstrates high efficiency in the SVO zone. Reliably protects helicopters from MANPADS, including Western production. According to the pilots, thanks to this equipment, it was possible to repel several launches of anti-aircraft missiles of various modifications at once and safely return to the airfield. In recent years, Vitebsk has undergone several stages of modernization, taking into account the recommendations of the military.
In general, the evolution of on-board protection systems is a constant process. After all, the guidance systems of anti-aircraft and aircraft missiles are constantly improving, and their noise immunity is growing. Under these conditions, of course, work is underway to create promising on-board defense systems that use both traditional and other construction principles. They will ensure the protection of aircraft from guided weapons, including those with combined guidance systems.
– What can we oppose today in the field of high-precision weapons?
- Modern warfare is becoming more and more "sniper". We are working to ensure that the Russian army shoots further and more accurately. The production of high-precision systems is being increased, and at the same time work is underway to improve their tactical and technical characteristics and create new models. As an example, we can cite the well-known Krasnopol. Work on improving this ammunition is underway, and its capabilities will increase. By the way, this projectile proved to be the best in the zone of its own defense. It effectively hits targets, including single ones. Allows pinpoint fire to disable enemy control points and other important objects.
It can be predicted that in the future the value of precision-guided munitions and the frequency of use will only grow. Their effectiveness will increase, including due to modern fire control and reconnaissance systems, including unmanned ones. Here I would like to mention a new product from "High-precision Complexes", which can be seen at the forum. This is an updated version of the Tablet-A complex on a new chassis. Let me remind you that the complex is designed to automate the control of artillery fire. It is able to control all types of artillery weapons and interact with intelligence tools. Provides the commander with real-time information about the situation on the battlefield. Such developments bring artillery to a new level, especially in conjunction with high-precision ammunition.
– Is the combat experience gained during the SVO applied to the modernization and creation of new MLRS?
– We certainly apply our experience. We are in constant contact with the Ministry of Defense. We promptly receive proposals for improving and modernizing multiple launch rocket systems. On the basis of information from the front line, we are creating a scientific and technical reserve not only for the modernization of existing models, but also for the creation of promising weapons. In addition, work is currently underway to expand the range of guided missiles for various purposes.
– When is the Mallow self-propelled wheeled howitzers expected to be delivered to the troops? In general, how are things with the "flower" series of howitzers - "Magnolia", "Drok", "Phlox". Which of them joined the army?
- "Malva" has already passed state tests. Now its mass production is launched. The first samples will be delivered to the troops in the coming months. The distinctive features of this howitzer are high mobility due to the wheeled chassis. It includes automated calculation of firing parameters for all types of ammunition. A simultaneous fire raid mode is provided – that is, several shells fired one after another will come to the target simultaneously. Meanwhile, our developers do not stand still. Now an upgraded version of the Mallow is being created with an increased firing range. Believe me, we will have something to counter the long-range Western howitzers that are currently being delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As for the "Phlox" and "Gorse" - they are at the final stage of testing. Serial samples of " Phlox "will begin to arrive to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the coming months. In turn, the first experimental batch of self-propelled mortars 2S41 "Drok" has already been sent to the troops. The complex is based on the Typhoon armored car and allows you to fire without leaving the car. As for the promising self-propelled gun "Magnolia", it has passed the first stage of testing. It is being finalized and prepared for testing by the Ministry of Defense.
– At what stage are the works on the promising self-propelled artillery installation "Coalition-SV"? At what stage is the development of the Tosochka heavy flamethrower system?
- Tests of the 2S35 self-propelled artillery gun from the "Coalition-SV" complex are planned to be completed this year. At the same time, its mass production, as well as the production of a transport and loading vehicle, has already been deployed. We have completed the work on Tosochka, and they have been completed in full. This heavy flamethrower system confirmed the high tactical and technical characteristics set by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
– For the Smerch MLRS, the possibility of creating a UAV that is "sewn" into the rocket was being worked out. Today it is more relevant than ever, do you plan to continue working on this topic?
– We have not stopped the work, they are being carried out on their own initiative in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense. The use of reconnaissance and attack drones as part of multiple launch rocket systems is a promising area. We have all the competencies, including drone manufacturing technologies, to make this idea a reality.
– Does Rostec create new ammunition production facilities to meet the needs of a special military operation? To what extent have the state corporation's enterprises managed to increase the production of shells for multiple launch rocket systems since the beginning of the SVO?
– Since the beginning of the special military operation, the volume of production of ammunition for barrel artillery and MLRS has increased many times. If we compare 2021 and 2023, the enterprises increased their volumes by 20 times. Deliveries occur smoothly and in the required quantities. To solve this problem, we expanded our production facilities, created new production lines, and introduced new equipment. Rostec enterprises have launched previously mothballed capacities for individual calibers. We have also connected enterprises of related industries, including civil ones, to the production of individual components of ammunition. Significantly expanded the scope of cooperation for the production of mass-produced products. This allows us, on the one hand, to diversify production, and on the other – to evenly distribute the load on enterprises.
– Did you manage to increase the production of armored vehicles?
- Uralvagonzavod and High-precision Complexes are working selflessly on this issue. Since the beginning of the SVO, the production of armored vehicles has increased fourfold. Shipments are often made ahead of schedule. I would like to note that the vehicles that we send to the front are constantly being refined taking into account combat experience. Their security increases, and so on.
– Not so long ago, a video appeared on the network showing the use of the engineering remote mining system "Agriculture" in the SVO zone. How did this technique perform in real combat conditions?
– This is without exaggeration a unique car, it has outstanding tactical and technical characteristics. In the SVR zone, the system confirmed its capabilities and received extremely positive feedback. It allows you to quickly set a minefield of the required configuration, as well as assign parameters for mine self-destruction at a given time. This facilitates the post-combat clearance process. Due to its high efficiency and demand, its mass production and deliveries began even before the end of the ROC.
– Earlier it was stated that tests of the Hermes missile system are continuing. When can they be completed? Is there any interest in this complex from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation?
– Initially, it was an initiative development of "High-precision Complexes", we first showed it at the Army forum in 2020. Today we have made significant progress in this work. I assure you that "Hermes" will become a new word in the field of high-precision guided weapons. It will have an over-the-horizon firing range of up to 100 kilometers and operate on the "shot and forget" principle.
– At what stage of work on the project of a robotic BMP-3 with the Sinitsa combat module? Has the Prometheus complex, designed for robotization of equipment, already been tested?
- The BMP-3 with the Sinitsa combat module is a successful example of armored vehicle robotization. But we're moving on. Specialists of the Signal Research Institute have created the Prometheus hardware and software complex, which allows you to robotize any armored vehicles and control them from a remote control. Currently, preparations are underway for a large test cycle of this complex in various conditions. Based on their results, a decision will be made on its further application and development.
– Earlier it was reported that the Signal Research Institute has developed a new orientation system "Filin" for military equipment. Has the new orientation system been tested in action on combat samples? How significant improvements will it require when installing on existing samples?
- Filin will provide military personnel with a completely new functionality when working with electronic cards. At the same time, due to the modular principle, the orientation system allows you to quickly adapt it to almost any combat vehicles on various chassis. This doesn't require any major improvements.
– Have the new Chukavin sniper rifle been delivered to the troops? When will it be put into service?
– In the fall of last year, Russian special forces operating in the free zone received a batch of these rifles for experimental combat operation. Positive feedback is received. First of all, they say that weapons have become more convenient and easier to maintain. Kalashnikov ,in turn, continues to hone the rifle, making improvements to the design. As for the adoption of weapons, we are waiting for the state's decision.
– What changes have been made to the AK-12 based on the SVO?
– Since 2018, when the machine gun was put into service, its design has changed significantly. Of course, the experience of using it in real combat and the feedback of the fighters were studied very carefully. In particular, the dioptric sight was improved. It has become more versatile and weatherproof. The safety control system has become two-way, which is especially convenient for left-handed shooters. The muzzle device on the new model is non-removable, that is, the device for low-noise shooting is now convenient to attach over the flame arrester. Finally, the model received a structurally new, more advanced handguard. In addition, the machine introduced a number of technological improvements that are invisible to the ordinary eye.
– How is the work on increasing the serial production of Su-57 fighters progressing? When is the so-called second stage engine planned to be installed on this aircraft?
– We fully fulfill our obligations to the Ministry of Defense. The aircraft is currently undergoing pilot operation in the Russian Aerospace Forces. This year, our cooperation led by UAC plans to significantly increase the rate of production of these aircraft in accordance with the state contract. At the same time, the Su-57 platform is evolving. Its combat capabilities are being increased, and the most modern technologies are being introduced into the vehicle. In other words, its effectiveness continues to grow. As for the power plants, the Su-57 aircraft is adapted to the use of both the first and second stage engines. Even with a first-stage engine, the fighter meets the basic requirements for a fifth-generation aircraft. Currently, aircraft with a second-stage engine are undergoing flight tests. Already under the current serial contract, it is planned to supply the Su-57 with a new engine – UEC and UAC are working on this.
- Su-25 attack aircraft have proven themselves well in the free defense zone. Is the possibility of upgrading them based on combat experience being considered? What can this modernization consist of?
– According to the results of combat use, the Su-25SM3 variant is the most effective. Today, such modernization is being carried out at one of the aircraft repair plants. In the course of modernization, new sighting and navigation equipment, a new optical-laser thermal-television sighting system, a new satellite navigation system, as well as an electronic warfare system and other systems are being installed on the aircraft.
– How are the works on launching the Tu-160M missile carriers into mass production progressing? Was it possible to fully establish the technological chain of production of all components for them?
– Let me remind you that serial production of the Tu-160 was discontinued in the 90s. Now we are resuming the construction of these missile carriers in a new form – the Tu-160M. Yes, we managed to completely restore the technological chain of production of all components. The corresponding cooperation of enterprises has been re-formed. As a result, in 2022 we witnessed the first flight of the Tu-160M, built "from scratch". The combat capabilities of the upgraded aircraft are significantly increased. The range of weapons has been expanded, and the onboard equipment has been upgraded. The aircraft received new engines-NK-32 of the second series, which significantly increased the range of its combat use.
– When is it planned to complete testing of the upgraded Tu-22M3M long-range bombers? How many samples are currently being tested? Were weapons tested on them? Existing prototypes of the Tu-22M3M were tested by using weapons against Ukrainian military facilities within the framework of the Free Air Defense System?
- Tests of the upgraded Tu-22M3M long-range bombers will be completed in accordance with the plan of the Russian Defense Ministry. Testing of new weapons within the framework of the SVO is the prerogative of the military department. We are ready for this.
– Has the PAK DA project been suspended due to sanctions and free trade agreements, or is it being continued in a sparing mode? When can the first flight model of the newest bomber be created?
- Work on the PAK DA project is carried out in accordance with the approved schedule.
– How are the works on increasing the production of Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft progressing? When will the Ulyanovsk plant be able to produce 10 such cars a year?
- Production of heavy military transport Il-76MD-90A is growing. The UAC enterprise in Ulyanovsk has a comprehensive program to gradually increase the production and supply of aircraft. Last year, production reached five cars per year. This year, two aircraft have already been delivered to the customer. I would like to note that the production of new aircraft is carried out on a production line of assembly, which reduces labor intensity. The assembly line is equipped with a system of laser positioning of aggregates, which ensures high accuracy of docking all elements of the aircraft.
Starting in 2025, it will be possible to produce at least 10 IL-76MD-90A aircraft annually.
– What are the conceptual conclusions made by Rostec based on the experience of the SVO? What new approaches will be applied in the development and modernization of weapons?
"Operating our products in real combat conditions has given us invaluable experience and continues to give us a lot of food for thought. First, the SVO confirmed the main trends in the further development of weapons, for example, the growing role of drones and high-precision weapons. Secondly, it showed ways to improve the products already delivered. Even a seemingly minor change in the design of the same machine gun can significantly ease the position of a fighter at the front, help him in battle. Here we clearly understand that we are working for victory and are doing everything possible to ensure that our weapons contribute as much as possible to the fulfillment of combat tasks.
We can say that most types of weapons that we produce – armored vehicles, aircraft, artillery and MLRS, electronic warfare equipment, small arms and equipment-have been improved to one degree or another as a result of the SVO. We pay close attention to the feedback coming from the front line and maintain close feedback.

https://ria.ru/20230810/artyakov-1889223986.html