Ukrainian Defense Industry,[a] also operating as Ukroboronprom State Concern,[b] is an association of multi-product enterprises (conglomerate or concern) in various sectors of the defence industry of Ukraine.[2] The company has ceased most of its activities within Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and has relocated much of its production abroad during the war.
The concern includes enterprises that operate in the development, manufacture, sale, repair, modernization and disposal of weapons, military and special equipment and ammunition, and participating in military-technical cooperation with foreign states.
In 2021, Ukroboronprom was under state reform and was expected to cease to exist and reform into main two holdings of Defence Holding and Aerospace Holding.[3][needs update]
"Ukroboronprom" was created by the decrees of the President of Ukraine in 2010 (12 September, No. 1085/2010 and 28 December, No. 1245/2010) with additional decrees of the Cabinet of Ministers[4] of 29.12.2010 No. 1221 and 31.08.2011 No. 993.
The main goal of "Ukroboronprom" is the efficient[according to whom?] management of Ukrainian military industrial sector and improvement of the effectiveness of the enterprises that are parts of State Concern.
In September 2013, five divisions were created for the organizational structure of Ukroboronprom: aircraft industry and aircraft maintenance; precision weaponry and munition; armoured vehicles, automotive equipment, engineering and special equipment; shipbuilding and marine facilities; radar, radio communications and air defense systems.
As separate divisions stand those,[clarification needed] that are authorized to conduct import/export operations with military equipment and wares that hold National Security information. These enterprises conduct international sales of equipment produced by Ukrainian military industrial sector and post-sales service of equipment, maintenance, and modernization.
Roman Romanov, a graduate of the International Institute of Management (MiM-Kyiv), headed "Ukroboronprom" since 4 June 2014. As a result of his activity, "Ukroboronprom" finally became profitable by the end of 2014.[citation needed]
At the end-year 2014 "Ukroboronprom" fulfilled all government contracts by 100%. During the second half of the year 2014, the enterprises of the Concern created more than 2000 jobs and 13 more enterprises became profitable. Moreover, over the second half of the year wage arrears to employees totaling to ₴45 million were overtaken.[citation needed]
In August 2016, "Ukroboronprom" signed a memorandum of cooperation with the former head of the Agency for Defence Advanced Research Projects (DARPA) Anthony Tetter. He became an advisor on the long-term development of "Ukroboronprom".[5]
"Ukroboronprom" was the first among Ukrainian industrial giants to launch a system of e-procurement. Its official start was in October 2014. The concern claims they saved US$304.8 million in 2015, and in 2016 – ₴476.6 million.[6]
Ukroboronprom increased its production and began to provide Ukraine's Armed Forces with modernized weaponry. In 2017, Ukroboronprom completed the State Defence Order and conveyed 3,673 units of weapons and equipment to the security agencies of the country, including 2,053 new and upgraded ones.[7]
For 2014–2017, Ukroboronprom rose by 14 positions – from 91 to 77th place – in the SIPRI world ranking of arms manufacturers.[8]
Ukroboronprom together with the American company Delphi Corporation has launched a new enterprise "Electric Systems". It has become the official supplier of components for Mercedes products.[9]
The Cyber Guard project from Ukroboronprom became the general partner of the cyberforum HackIT-2017. The event was attended by co-founder of AppleSteve Wozniak.[10][undue weight?–discuss]
On 12 February 2018 Roman Romanov resigned[11] and was replaced on 21 February 2018 when the President of Ukraine appointed Pavlo Bukin as Director General.[12]Aivaras Abromavičius succeeded him on 31 August 2019.[13] Abromavičius was succeeded by Ihor Fomenko on 6 October 2020.[14] Yuriy Husev was placed as General Director in December 2020.
Russian invasion
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukroboronprom Concern repaired and maintained both Ukrainian vehicles and captured Russian vehicles.[15][16] It offered US$1,000,000 to Russian pilots for every combat-capable aircraft handed over to them as well as $500,000 for every combat-capable helicopter handed over.[17]
On 6 March 6, 2022, Ukroboronprom Concern's Zhytomyr Armour Plant was destroyed, with three people being killed.[18] On April 15, the Ukroboronprom Concern Vizar Plant was struck with several sea-based long-range missiles. The plant produced R-360 Neptune cruise missiles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is believed that the strike was reprisal for the sinking of the Russian warship Moskva by two Neptune missiles.[19]
On 20 September, it was announced that Ukroboronprom Concern and an unspecified NATO member country were to build a factory for the production of ammunition that will be held to NATO standards.[20]
On 17 October, following the October 2022 Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian targets, Ukroboronprom Concern and the Come Back Alive Foundation independently announced the preparations of a weapon that could "create explosions in Moscow" with a range of up to 1000 kilometres and equipped with a 75 kilogram warhead.[21] It was later revealed that the weapon was an unmanned aerial vehicle and is rumored to be responsible for several attacks on Russian military infrastructure in Saratov, Ryazan, and Kursk.[22]
On 15 March 2023, Ukroboronprom, with the help of a "NATO country", started manufacturing 125 mm smoothbore ammunition for Ukraine's Soviet era tanks outside of Ukraine. Along with existing production of 120mm mortar rounds, 122mm and 152mm artillery shells. A part of a larger effort by Ukraine to manufacture ammunition as Western donors feel the "pinch" in their own stockpiles. Ten employees have been killed thus far during the war. Production sites have had to be dispersed to avoid destruction. The company spokesperson said that "The emergence of this shell is the first product of our joint cooperation with a country from the (NATO) alliance. It will not end with shells, we will soon show you other products produced with partner countries,"[23][24][25]
On 21 March 2023 the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine renamed Ukroboronprom to "Ukrainska oboronna promyslovist" (Ukrainian Defense Industry).[2]
On 6 April, Ukroboronprom announced that it would start manufacturing 125mm tank rounds with Polish state defence company Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa. This agreement means that Poland will become the second NATO country helping Ukraine manufacture Soviet-era shells. The first is an unidentified Central European NATO member.[26]
On 21 June, Ukroboronprom claimed to have built a drone with a 1000-km range. Whether used in an operation or just tested it was not clear. Ukraine said in autumn 2022 that the weapon it was developing would have a 75-kg warhead.[27]
According to European Pravda, "Ukroboronprom" would be headed by Herman Smetanin from June 28, 2023.[28][29]
General background
The conglomerate was established in 2010 in place of the existing "Armoured Equipment of Ukraine" (1999) and "Technological Military Service".[30][31][32][33]
The feasibility of combining in a single management structure of scientific, experimental, industrial enterprises and special exporters is supported by the positive effect,[according to whom?] that the Concern has shown during its existence. Formation of Ukroboronprom made available organization of an innovation cycle "research – development – serial production – consumption (sales) – service – utilization".[citation needed]
To ensure optimal decision-making in different fields the State Concern uses a concept of divisional management structure. The concept was adopted taking into account current trends in theory and practice of management. Its essence is to separate strategic and operational objectives from industry operational problems management. A divisional principle is to provide administrative and economic "autonomy" of industries, a delegation of administrative powers of heads of divisions.[citation needed]
Initially it consisted of seven major state companies:[citation needed]
In 2014 the conglomerate included 134 enterprises of the military–industrial complex of Ukraine[30][34] and employed some 120,000 people.[34] In 2012 eighteen of those companies were to be reorganized (Resolution #223, March 21, 2012).[35] They included:
According to the company, China and India are a traditional market for Ukrainian military products.[34] In 2013, the Brazilian Navy announced a potential partnership with Ukroboronprom.[37]
State Concern consists of 134 military industry sector enterprises of Ukraine (123 state enterprises and 9 joint stock corporations, with the profits participation rights delegated to the management of "Ukroboronprom").
Manufacturing and design sector
Armored vehicles, artillery armament, automotive, and special engineering equipment
Kremenchuk Automobile Plant
"Artyleriyske Ozbroyennia" (Artillery Weaponry) Design Bureau (Kyiv)
Best inventions of Ukrainian students are being embodied. Scientists of the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute have created a UAV. Students of other universities are actively involved in apprenticeship on the leading enterprises of Ukroboronprom.
In 2016, "Ukroboronprom" began to work with the best business schools in the country. In particular, the International Management Institute and Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. Senior management, management of the average level plants and industrials undergo training.[46]
In 2017, a series of MBA curricula for "Ukroboronprom" specialists was completed, including a partnership with the US Thunderbird School of Global Management and the International Management Institute in Kyiv.[48]
New developments
In the summer of 2016, "Ukroboronprоm" presented multipurpose unmanned aircraft complex "Gorlytsa" and tactical unmanned multipurpose vehicle "Phantom".[49]
On September 28, 2016, at the international exhibition of armaments "ADEX-2016" in Azerbaijan, the State Concern introduced a new combat module "Taipan"[50] which specifications meet the highest Western standards.
In 2016, "Ukroboronprom" also developed and presented a digital fire control system "Myslyvets",[51] combat modules "Duplet" and "Kastet", 60mm mortar KBA.118, and transport aircraft An-132.[52]
At the beginning of 2017, "Ukroboronprom" agreed with the American company "Aeroscraft" on co-production of automatic M16 rifle (model WAC47) that meets NATO standards.[53] As of October, 1st, 2019, no weapon of this type and model has been produced, confirming the inappropriate technical choices voiced by many experts.
In March 2017, the newest multipurpose transport aircraft An-132 successfully made its first flight.[54] "Ukroboronprom" agreed with the companies TAQNIA (Saudi Arabia) and Havelsan (Turkey) to develop a new modification of the aircraft for the marine patrol.[55]
At the 13th International exhibition of military equipment "IDEF-2017" in Istanbul, "Ukroboronprom" introduced a new portable grenade launcher.[56]
In 2017, "Ukroboronprom" successfully implemented a number of international projects. Together with the American company Aeroscraft, it introduced the automatic carbine M4-WAC-47 according to NATO standards. It can be adapted for a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45 NATO.[citation needed] As of October 1, 2019, no weapon of this type and model has been produced, confirming the inappropriate technical choices voiced by many experts.
Two Ukrainian-Polish projects have also been created and demonstrated: main battle tank PT-17 and multiple launch rocket system ZRN-01 Stokrotka.[57]
In November 2017, the first Ukrainian combat drone "Gorlytsia" performed the first flight.[58]
In 2017, "Ukroboronprom" successfully tested a new Ukrainian missile complex "Vilkha". Unique shells of missiles are made from superstructural alloys on the new technological line of "Ukroboronprom".[59] On 4 November 2022, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has announced that Ukroboronprom will start manufacturing shells at 152 and 122mm calibre for its Soviet era weapons.[60]
On 18 November 2022, Ukroboronprom signed an agreement to manufacture and develop weapons with other NATO countries including: Poland, Czech Republic, France, Denmark and two unknown countries subject to a non disclosure agreement. The statement said: "We are creating joint defense enterprises, building closed-cycle ammunition production lines, jointly producing armored vehicles and multiple launch rocket systems, and jointly developing new high-tech weapons. To do this, we use both existing facilities and newly created ones in safe places," [61]
On 1 January 2023, the first domestically made Ukrainian 152mm artillery shells has been seen being fired from a D-20 howitzer in the Donbas. Ukroboronprom has also confirmed this on social media.[62]
On 22 March 2023, the first batch of 122mm artillery shells have been sent to the Ukrainian armed forces. Manufactured abroad in a "NATO country".[63]
On 27 November 2024, Ukrainian officials announced the recall of some 100,000 120mm mortar shells issued to Ukrainian forces. The shells were getting “stuck in launchers and weren't exploding” according to soldiers, with only 1 out of 10 working. The shells had been manufactured in Ukraine by Ukroboronprom.[64]
International activity
Ukroboronprom actively works with foreign partners and has signed contracts to deploy production in Ukraine. For example, Ukroboronprom and Polish company Lubawa SA signed a memorandum on the establishment of new joint ventures in Ukraine, that will get 1 million euros investment.[65]
At the international exhibition " Arms and Security 2015" in Kyiv, Ukroboronprom agreed on cooperation with the American company "Textron" in the production of heavy armored vehicles. The cooperation between Antonov and Polish company "WB Electronics" was also agreed. Ukraine will use the technology of the Polish company to develop a new tactical unmanned aviation complex for the Armed Forces.[66]
At one of the largest Asian international defence exhibition "Defence & Security 2015", Ukroboronprom signed an agreement with the enterprise authorized by the Ministry of Defence of Thailand to manufacture modern Ukrainian BTR-3E1 and ensure its service in the Kingdom.[67]
At the International Aviation Salon Dubai Air Show in 2015, Antonov and the company "Taqnia Aeronautics" signed two memorandums on cooperation in promoting 4 sanitary AN-148-100, 4 reconnaissance and rescue variants of the AN-132, and 2 devices for producing of radio interference based on the aircraft to the market of Saudi Arabia.[68]
In 2016, Antonov and "Taqnia Aeronautics" signed an agreement on cooperation on the construction of aircraft complex and production of An-132 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.[69]
The result of one of the largest international exhibitions "DefExpo 2016" was the agreement on large-scale partnership in military-technical sphere with the Indian company "Reliance Defence Limited". The parties signed three agreements in the sphere of aircraft and aircraft repair, modernization of armored vehicles, maintenance of marine engineering, production and supply of drones.[70]
During the International Aerospace Salon Farnborough Airshow 2016 in the UK, Antonov signed two contracts with the Canadian company Esterline CMC Electronics. Under the contracts, transport aircraft An-124 and An-148/158/178 will be equipped with modern avionics.[71] In addition, Antonov and "General Electric" have agreed on modernization of Ukrainian planes. The company also signed a memorandum with "Pratt & Whitney Canada".[72]
Ukroboronprom also cooperates with NATO. Priority of cooperation is the development of a roadmap for Ukrainian defense industry transition to NATO standards, and deep partnership with EU member countries. In 2016, for the first time in the history of Ukraine, the Day of the Ukrainian defence industry was held in NATO Headquarters at Brussels, Belgium, and the headquarters of NATO Support and Procurement Agency at Kappelen, Luxembourg. Ukroboronprom presented its products there including a number of new projects.[73]
In 2016, Ukroboronprom signed over 70 memorandums on cooperation with 20 countries.[6]
At the LAAD-2017 Defence & Security held in April 2017 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ukroboronprom agreed on cooperation in aircraft and unmanned vehicles, radio intelligence and heavy armored vehicles with Central and South America countries.[74]
At the international exhibition of arms IDEF-2017 in May 2017 in Turkey, the State Concern has agreed on direct cooperation with Undersecretary for Defense Industries under the Ministry of National Defence of Turkey.[75] Ukroboronprom also signed the agreements with Turkish companies Aselsan, MKEK, and TAI.[76]
On July 10, 2017, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highly appreciated Antonov transport aircraft during his visit to Kyiv.[77] He discussed with the head of Ukroboronprom Roman Romanov the prospects for expanding the SALIS program on strategic transport activities for the member countries of NATO and speeding up the transition of the Ukroboronprom enterprises to produce products according to the NATO standards.
In the annual world rating of arms manufacturers of the magazine Defense News, Ukroboronprom took 62nd place.[78] Western analysts have noted high rates of increase in production of modern military equipment. In 2016, Ukroboronprom took 68th place, while in 2015 – 92nd place.
In 2017, Ukroboronprom first participated in the international defence exhibition AUSA-2017 in the USA. Ukroboronprom introduced machinery, manufactured according to world standards. In particular, it presented an improved version of the unmanned armored personnel carrier Phantom-2.[79]
The latest achievements of the aviation cluster Ukroboronprom demonstrated at Dubai Airshow 2017 in the UAE.[80]
Reforming strategy of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine
In 2016, "Ukroboronprom" developed a strategy for reforming military-industrial complex of Ukraine.[81] It consists of five key initiatives: corporatization, clustering, audit, a platform of innovations, and technologies protection. In 2016, Aircraft Corporation has been already created on the basis of "Antonov".[82] Four clusters are in the process of creation: armored vehicles, shipbuilding, high-precision weapon systems, radar, electronic warfare and communications. A technical task for an independent audit by leading international consulting and auditing companies was developed.[83]
In May 2017, "Ukroboronprom" presented a new website presenting the strategy for reforming of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine – reformdefence.com. The site contains all important materials for each of the areas of strategy: corporatization, clustering, audit, technologies protection, and launch of the General Advanced Research and Development Agency (GARDA) that will be a platform to bring together developers, startups, investment funds, and military.
In November 2017, "Ukroboronprom" launched a new phase of reform – an international audit. A tender committee is formed to choose a consulting company. A Transparency International – Ukraine specialist is a member of the committee.[84]
Associated products
Ukroboronprom companies among others, manufacture such products:
↑ Ukrainian: Українська оборонна промисловість, romanized: Ukrainska oboronna promyslovist
↑ Ukrainian: Державний концерн «Укроборонпром», romanized: Derzhavnyi kontsern "Ukroboronprom"
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