News

“Al-Wahash” armored personnel carrier with “Shturm” combat tower on IDEX 2019 – the joint project of Ukraine and UAE On IDEX-2019 international exhibition, which is taking place in Abu-Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), the “Al‑Wahash” 8x8 armored personnel carrier with BM-3M “Shturm” combat tower is introduced for the first time. “Al‑Wahash” 8x8 armored personnel carrier with BM-3M “Shturm” combat tower is the result of cooperation between enterprises of the Ukrainian State Concern “Ukroboronprom” and UAE company “Calidus LLC”. BM-3M “Shturm” combat tower is used on BTR-3 APC which is serially produced by the State Enterprise “Kyiv Armored Plant” and has successfully passed the hardest tests in real combat actions in the East of Ukraine. Modern digital system with laser range finder and gun stabilizer ensures for the BM-3M “Shturm” high accuracy of firing with the 30 mm automatic gun, machine-gun and automatic grenade launcher, as well as “Barrier” anti-tank guided missiles system. Due to the BM-3M “Shturm” combat tower the “Al-Wahash” 8x8 APC is provided with powerful arsenal of weapons for destroying of an enemy from the distance of up to 5 km at any weather conditions day and night. It shall be mentioned that “Al-Wahash” 8x8 APC is one of the most up-to-date APCs of its class that was created by combination of the cutting edge technologies from the leading world class manufacturers. Therefore integration of the Ukrainian combat tower into this APC constitutes another evidence of high efficiency of the Ukrainian weapons. On February, 18th, 2019 the "Calidus LLC" and the State Company “Ukrspecexport”, which is a member of the State Concern “Ukroboronprom”, signed the Memorandum of cooperation having consolidated the reached agreements in further cooperation.  In particular, it is planned to produce jointly the “Al-Wahash” 8x8 APCs with BM-3M “Shturm” combat tower and to promote it on the markets of UAE and other countries. Besides that, the parties plan to extend cooperation in implication of programs for modernization and producing of new pieces of armament and military equipment. Ukroboronprom 19.02.2019, 9:24

TOP-5 NEW SOLUTIONS FROM "UKROBORONPROM" ENTERPRISES IN THE YEAR 2018 In 2018, the enterprises which are part of the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" developed, demonstrated and sent for trials several dozen new and modernized weapons, military equipment and main components thereof. In particular, this concerns the "Vilkha" and "Neptun" projects which brought together dozens of enterprises of the defense and industry complex. Another example is a novel solution of the "Mykolayiv Armored Vehicle Plant", i.e., the combat reconnaissance vehicle "Mangoose" which was presented at a number of international security forums. Another new solution is the "Kharza" mobile radar facility for perimeter protection which was developed by the State Enterprise "Specialized Foreign Trade Company "Progress" and is designed to protect strategic objects from attacks by sabotage groups and unmanned aircraft. However, the most significant ones include the modern cruise missile "Neptun", the upgraded high-precision 152-mm projectile "Kvitnyk", the "Berest" multiple rocket launcher system, the OPSN-I optical-sighting station and the 1L220UK counter-battery radar.  What follows below is a detailed description of these new solutions which were created with the aid of high-precision equipment and advanced digital technologies. "Neptun" - the sea coast defender The state-of-the-art cruise missile "Neptun" is the DKKB "Luch" newest project which is strategically important for Ukraine's defense capability. During trials it managed to destroy the surface target at a distance of 280 km. Thus, the high efficiency of target control and recognition systems by the onboard system of the cruise missile were proven. The trials of the new weapon were conducted as part of a series of measures to adopt and start mass production of the cruise missile.   "The Ukrainian missile manufactured by the DKKB "Luch" was developed as part of the "Missile Shield" Project which is of strategic importance for the country's defense capability. If the cruise missile gets accepted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" will begin its mass production", the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko commented on the missile trials on his Facebook page. In the future, the "Neptun" cruise missile should serve as a basis for a new anti-ship complex which should have high mobility and maneuvers capability. This will increase the level of protection and will expand possibilities of maintaining the country’s territorial integrity and inviolability of its coastal area. High-Precision "Kvitnyk" In 2018, the State Enterprise "Science and Production Complex "Progress" completed the modernization of the high-precision 152 mm projectile called "Kvitnyk" and carried out full import substitution of the components of Russian production, which accounted for more than 40% of all components used. The "Kvitnyk" is a high-precision 152-mm projectile, which hits a target with an accuracy of several centimeters at a distance of up to 20 km. In fact, this projectile can hit a A4 sheet with one shot. Such accuracy is achieved by means of laser pointing, which can be carried out from an unmanned aerial or correctional device. The "Kvitnyk" can destroy the most secure targets such as command posts, communications centers, bridges, water crossings, support points, etc. This high-precision product gives troops an overwhelming advantage during counterattack fighting when the enemy artillery is annihilated without any chance of troops getting a retaliatory strike. The "Kvitnyk" received a new guidance head which is several times smaller than the previous one and is one of the most complex components of the high-precision projectile. During a shot, all projectile systems, including its optics, electronics and precision mechanics, should withstand an overload of 10, 000 g (when 100 grams turn into 1 ton). Even so, despite such extreme conditions, the electronics should be in the working order and should be able to control the projectile. It is worth noting that the new guidance head can be used not only in the 152-mm "Kvitnyk" but also in its "NATO" version in the 155-mm caliber, as well as in the 122-mm projectile "Karasuk" and the new 120-mm mini "Krucha". At present, the State Enterprise "Science and Production Complex "Progress" is fully ready for the mandatory preliminary and state trials of the "Kvitnyk" and for its mass production and are looking forward to receiving orders from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. "Berest": greater fire power and accuracy Last year, the State Enterprise "Shepetivskyi Repair Plant", which is part of the State Concern "Ukroboronprom", carried out a deep modernization of the 122-mm multiple rocket launcher system. The uniqueness of this new combat vehicle, which was named BM-21 UM "Berest", is that it is made of only Ukrainian-produced components. The vehicle was for the first time unveiled to the general public at the international exhibition "Weapons and Security", which was held in Kyiv in October. "Berest" can replace the BM-21 "Hrad", which is currently used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The use of modern digital technologies and a new chassis of domestic production give "Berest" key combat and operational advantages. The use of the new digital fire control system allows the crew to prepare themselves for shooting, in particular, for topogeodetic survey without leaving the cabin. Digital technologies integrate "Berest" into the information exchange system on the battlefield. Due to this, a multiple rocket launcher system crew in a real time format gets the enemy exact coordinates which come from drones, counter-battery radar stations, as well as from other surveillance systems resulting in a several-fold increase of fire accuracy and efficiency. The new multiple rocket launcher system has a more powerful barrage of up to 50 rockets compared to 40 in the "Hrad" system. "Berest" is installed on a new chassis manufactured by "KrAZ" - 5401NE with a wheeled 4х4 formula. In general, compared with "Hrad" "Berest" has greater barrage power, fire accuracy, better integration into digital artillery control and guidance systems, greater mobility and less opening fire time. Digital sight for high-precision weaponry Another invention of the year 2018 is the OSSN-I optic-target station developed by the Izyum Instrument-Making Plant. This station is equipped with powerful optics, a thermal imager, a laser control channel and a range finder. Such instrumentation makes it possible to not only locate targets but also to home high-precision weapons onto them. This solution from the Izyum Instrument-Making Plant is of universal nature. The station diameter is only 43 cm, which makes it possible to install it not only on helicopters but also on unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, an optical-aiming station stabilized in all planes can be used in armored vehicles and, after making a number of design changes, in marine facilities. The "Izyum Instrument-Making Plant" is a unique enterprise which makes sights for high-precision missile weapons. The Plant has a fully closed cycle of production starting from the manufacture of special glass and ending with the manufacture of digital sights for the anti-tank systems such as "Stuhna-P", "Corsar" and "Barier". Counter-battery radar from "Scientific and Production Complex "Iskra" For the puproses of counter-battery fighting, the Zaporizhia-based "Scientific and Production Complex "Iskra" developed the 1L220UK station, which was demonstrated during the military parade on August 24. The 1L220UK counter-battery radar captures the exact location of enemy guns, mortars, multiple rocket launcher systems, anti-aircraft rocket systems and tactical missiles at a distance of several dozen kilometers. This makes it possible to get exact coordinates for delivering a retaliatory strike, as well as to adjust one’s own fire.  In addition, 1L220UK keeps track of airspace detecting enemy unmanned aerial vehicles and other warcraft. In terms of its capabilities, 1Л220UК significantly exceeds the counter-battery radars which are currently used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. To sum it up, in 2018, the Ukroboronprom's enterprises did not only supply military equipment and weapons but also made every effort to create new weapons. Should mass production be launched, these weapons can significantly increase the military might of the Ukrainian army and can deal a devastating blow to the enemy.   Ukroboronprom 17.01.2019, 13:02

UKRAINIAN DEFENSE ENTERPRISES ARE THE MOST ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS OF RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THE NATO INDUSTRIAL ADVISORY GROUP (NIAG) The enterprises of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Complex, including the State Concern “Ukroboronprom“, have ranked first among NATO partner countries in terms of the extent of their participation in the research of the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG), according to  the results of participation of Ukrainian enterprises in NIAG multinational research projects in 2018. In the course of the research, Ukrainian specialists together with colleagues from Western countries identified the main areas for development and drafted conceptual approaches in the main fields such as the provision of logistical capabilities, next-generation helicopter equipment, the use of military  aircraft of different types and under different conditions; autonomous systems and technologies; marine unmanned aircraft systems, etc. It should be noted that the research participants  included not only the State Concern’s partners (i.e., State Enterprise "Antonov", State Enterprise "KhMZ" FED", State Enterprise "Ivchenko-Progress", and State Enterprise "Aviacon") but also private enterprises which are members of the League of Defense Enterprises of Ukraine. The active and successful participation of Ukrainian specialists was welcomed by the NATO representatives. In the future, the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" intends to engage in further cooperation and to actively participate in the Alliance's research projects. It should be noted that according to the guideline documents of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and enterprises of the Defense Industry Complex of Ukraine, in 2019 Ukraine is expected to begin implementing NATO principles and standards.   In addition, in 2019 Ukraine will begin adopting NATO technical standards in the production of weapons and military equipment in Ukraine, which will significantly improve the quality of Ukrainian weapons and will ensure the mutual compatibility between the combat systems of Ukraine and those of the NATO Member States. Ukroboronprom 15.01.2019, 10:05

IN 2018, "UKROBORONPROM" HANDED OVER MORE THAN 4900 UNITS OF WEAPONS AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT TO UKRAINIAN TROOPS The State Concern "Ukroboronprom" enterprises handed over more than 4,900 units of  weapons and military equipment to the Armed Forces, the National Guard and other power structures of Ukraine. "The war has convincingly shown that victory can only be won by relying on high morale of the troops, general public support and modern weapons. More than 4,900 units of new, modernized and repaired weapons and military equipment were received by the Ukrainian Army from the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" in 2018", said the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.    Among these are 2,500 units of state-of-the-art high-precision missile weapons such as PTRK "Stuhna-P", "Barier" and LPRK "Corsar", which are capable of destroying the enemy with one shot. At the same time, in 2018 the State Concern enterprises transferred to the Ukrainian army  modern armored vehicles BTR-3 and BTR-4, 79К6 "Pelican" radar stations, С-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, modernized fighters MiG-29 and Su-27, "Hvozdyka" artillery systems, "Urahan" multiple rocket launcher systems and dozens of other types of equipment and weapons ranging from individual navigation systems to military transport aircraft. This work, which was carried out by "Ukroboronprom" enterprises considerably strengthened the defensive ability of Ukrainian fighters. In 2018, the final stages of the development of state-of-the-art weaponry which should strengthen the Ukrainian army in the near future were completed. In particular, this involves the "Vilkha" and "Neptun" projects which brought together dozens of the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" enterprises and a number of other manufacturers of defense industry products. These high-precision weapons can dramatically increase the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and ensure the destruction of enemy targets at a large distance.   In 2019, "Ukroboronprom" enterprises will continue to re-equip Ukrainian troops with new and upgraded weapons and military equipment, to expand production facilities, to master new technologies and to develop new promising weapons.   Ukroboronprom 4.01.2019, 14:35

CLUSTER OF "UKROBORONPROM" AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING IN 2018: FIFTY NEW AIRPLANES AND HELICOPTERS FOR UKRAINIAN TROOPS In 2018, the enterprises of the aircraft engineering cluster of the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" transferred about 50 airplanes and helicopters to the Armed Forces of Ukraine thereby modernizing the air transport force and reinforcing it with upgraded aircraft. At the same time, aircraft-building enterprises continued to carry out in-depth modernization of Ukrainian Armed Forces aircraft, as well as to create brand-new new types of aircraft. Another fifty warcraft In 2018, the Ukrainian troops received about 50 warplanes and helicopters, which were upgraded and repaired by the aircraft engineering cluster composed of 16 enterprises of the State Concern "Ukroboronprom". During this year alone, Ukrainian pilots received Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters, Su-25 strike-fighters, Su-24 bombers and reconnaissance aircraft, An-26 and Il-76 transport aircraft, L-39 trainer aircraft, and Mi-24, Mi-14 and Mi-8 helicopters. This result was made possible thanks to the efficient work of "Ukroboronprom" aircraft-building enterprises which in 2018 executed the state defense order and carried out repairs. For example, in 2018 the State Enterprise "Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant", in close cooperation with other "Ukroboronprom" enterprises, was engaged in serial modernization of MiG-29 fighters to bring them up to the MiG-29MU1 level. These aircraft received a powerful radar station, which made it possible to increase the airborne target detection range, as well as a satellite navigation system integrated into the on-board radio navigation complex. In addition, the functions of control and registration of functional parameters of the technical condition of an aircraft, engine and several on-board systems were considerably expanded. Also, from now on this aircraft will be able to carry out joint missions with the armed forces of NATO Member States. In 2018, Lviv specialists handed over to Ukrainian pilots about half a dozen such aircraft and continue working on the next batch of fighters. More than fifteen Mi-24, Mi-14 and Mi-8 helicopters were manufactured by the Konotop Aircraft Works "Aviakon”. In addition, the enterprise produced for the military sector a truly unique Mi-8MTP aircraft, which are designed to carry out radio-electronic warfare. The special equipment onboard this helicopter makes it possible to set obstacles for ground radar stations used for detection, guidance and targeting, making it possible to "blind" and disorganize the enemy. At the same time, "Odessa Aircraft Plant" and "Chuhuev Aircraft Repair Plant" did significant work on upgrading and modernizing the L-39 trainer aircraft on which Ukrainian cadets learn the basics of the art of flying an aircraft and practicing pilots train to improve their skills. These two enterprises handed over about half a dozen repaired and upgraded L-39 to air units and military higher educational institutions. In-depth modernization In 2018 "Ukroboronprom" aircraft-building enterprises carried out in-depth modernization of  aircraft used by the Air Force of Ukraine. These works, given the need for improved capabilities of the existing air transport force, make it possible in a relatively short time to obtain aircraft with significantly broader characteristics and combat capabilities. In 2018 such works were carried out by the Zaporizhzhya State Aircraft Repair Plant "MiGremont", which modernizes Su-27 fighters and Su-25 strike-fighters. The upgraded Su-27, which receives an additional 1M index is being equipped with a new radar, which allows for a 30% increase in airborne target detection range, a new navigation complex, means of control, registration and processing of onboard parameters. The Su-27-1M is also capable of performing joint missions with the NATO armed forces. While modernizing the Su-25 to match the M1K characteristics, Zaporizhian specialists carry out capital repairs and install additional equipment of Ukrainian production. An analog sight is being replaced with a new digital sight integrated into the aircraft sighting and navigation complex. The aircraft receives new flight data control and registration means, as well as a modernized radio station. Much work is being done to ensure the safety of strike fighters. Su-25M1K is being equipped  with an "Adros" protection complex manufactured by the State Enterprise "Progress". This complex increases the aircraft protection from missiles several-fold by stopping homing devices and shooting off special heat flares. The "Odessa Aircraft Plant" together with Mykolayiv city "NARP" started developing in-depth modernization of the Su-24 reconnaissance aircraft. The main task is to significantly improve the capabilities of such aircraft using modern digital systems and installing advanced on-board equipment. Westernization of aircraft In 2018, the State Enterprise "Antonov", which is part of "Ukroboronprom", stepped up the process of integration into the world aircraft industry. One of the first projects in this field, which involved Turkish partners, concerns An-188 transport aircraft with short take-off and landing. The An-188 military transport aircraft project includes complete westernization of all components, the implementation of up-to-date and reliable technological solutions, as well as full compliance with NATO standards, including those relating to equipment and the aircraft use tactics. The project's solutions help create a promising military transport turbojet aircraft with a carrying capacity of up to 50 tons. It will be able to transport all types of military equipment, military and construction equipment, helicopters, up to 300 soldiers, as well as humanitarian cargoes, pallets and containers. An-188 will be able to operate from different aerodromes, including ground aerodromes, and will land on short runways only 600-800 m long. This will significantly expand the number of aerodromes on which it can be used thereby ensuring the high efficiency of the new warcraft. In addition, the project involves the use of economical modern turbojets, which provide not only high speed but also large range capabilities. At the same time, to meet the needs of the Air Force of Ukraine, efforts are underway to develop the An-77, which should receive the avionics of the world's leading manufacturers, bringing the aircraft closer to NATO standards. It is expected that An-77 will become the basis of Ukraine's military transport aviation. Its characteristics will drastically increase the combat capability and mobility of airborne assault troops. Ukroboronprom 2.01.2019, 10:05

CLUSTER OF RADIOLOCATIONS, RADIO COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL INSTRUMENT-BUILDING IN 2018: DIGITAL VISION AND FIREPOWER The enterprises of the State Concern "Ukroboronprom", which are part of the cluster of radiolocation, radio communication and special instrument engineering, are responsible for one of the main components of the combat capability of Ukrainian troops, i.e., the ability to locate the enemy in advance and to guide destruction means. The supply and development of modern radar stations, various digital systems, which are the basis of automated command systems, modernization of the artillery and air force components - these were the tasks carried out by 23 cluster enterprises in 2018. Anti-aircraft and coastal defense Effective air defense is based on the ability to detect a target and destroy it even before it can open fire. It is precisely for this purpose that such Ukrboronprom enterprises as "Research and Production Complex "Iskra" are developing and supplying modern radar stations capable of detecting air targets at a distance of hundreds of kilometers. This year, Zaporizhzhya "Iskra", which is the cluster leading enterprise, manufactured and repaired radar stations, which are designed for airspace control and guiding air defense capabilities. A prime example is 79К6 "Pelican", which is used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and detects air targets at a distance up to 400 km. At the same time, Zaporizhzhya specialists carried out work toward integration of all radar stations into the guidance system of S-300, which is one of the longest-range anti-aircraft missile complexes used by Ukrainian troops. This allows for the creation of a continuous radar space where each radar station transmits information on targets through secure digital communication channels. In its turn, in 2018 "Balakliyskyi Repair Plant" carried out repairs of anti-aircraft complexes, including ZRGK "Tunhuska", ZSU-23-4 "Shylka" and ZRK "Osa". Thanks to this enterprise, the Ukrainian Army received more than ten such machines. Given the work carried out by "Vizar" and "Ukroboronservis", which belong to other clusters of the Concern, it made it possible to ensure the combat capability of the anti-aircraft component at all levels, starting from the long-range S-300 and ending in short- and small-range anti-aircraft capabilities. In addition to anti-aircraft capabilities, radar stations are actively used in other areas too, for example, in coastal defense. The State Enterprise "Scientific and Research Institute for Radar Systems "Kvant-Radiolokatsiya" actively supplies troops with the all-round mobile radar station "Delta". It automatically detects and tracks aircraft and helicopters, as well as ground and surface targets with an accuracy of up to 20 meters at a distance of up to 96 kilometers, as well as registers selected target trajectories and transfers data thereon to relevant combat units. It is these radar stations that are installed on Ukrainian warships and at coastal defense facilities. Artillery component The cluster of radiolocations, radio communication and special instrument-building includes a unique Ukrainian enterprise - "Shepetivskyi Repair Plant". It is this enterprise that is responsible for modernizing and repairing multiple-launch artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems. In 2018, the Plant manufactured more than 70 combat vehicles, including the self-propelled artillery units "Hvozdyka" and "Akatsiya", multiple rocket launchers "Urahan" and "Smerch". To expand production, the Plant renovated an old workshop which was built in 1939 at its own expense. The "Shepetivskyi Repair Plant" is also working on the "Vilkha" Project. It has carried out in-depth modernization of "Hrad", which was renamed into "Berest". One of the features of the new machine is the digital fire control system, which allows the crew, without leaving the cabin, to prepare themselves for shooting, in particular, for topogeodetic survey. New digital technologies integrate "Berest" into the information exchange system on the battlefield. Due to this, a multiple rocket launcher system crew in a real time format gets the enemy exact coordinates, which come from drones in a processed format, counter-battery radar stations, as well as from other surveillance systems. Such integration increases the accuracy and efficiency of fire several times. At the same time, for the purposes of counter-battery fighting, the "Scientific and Production Complex Iskra" developed the 1L220UK station, which was demonstrated during the military parade on August 24. The 1L220UK counter-battery radar captures the exact location of enemy guns, mortars, multiple rocket launcher systems, anti-aircraft rocket systems and tactical missiles at a distance of several dozen kilometers. In addition, 1L220UK keeps track of airspace and is capable of detecting enemy unmanned aircraft. For artillery guidance and intelligence acquisition purposes, the Ukrainian army makes intensive use of the "Spectator" drone, which was developed in close cooperation between the NTU "Sikorskyi KPI" and Koroliov OJSC "Meridian". Currently, the troops are supplied with its upgraded version "Spectator-M", which is equipped with modern video and thermal imaging cameras allowing it to track a land plot up to 50 kilometers long at an altitude of up to 2 thousand meters. However, in 2018 Koroliov OJSC "Meridian" continued upgrading the drone by switching to the Spectator-M1 testing. This version has less weight, longer flight time, a new thermal imager with increased viewing angles and a new control station. In addition, experts reduced noise generated by an electric motor, which has made this unmanned aircraft the least noisy among craft of this class. Furthermore, they integrated the automatic target coordinate determination system, which automatically converts the coordinates of detected objects into the SK-42 system, which is used by artillery to control fire. Digital spotlight Another unique Ukrainian enterprise is Izyum Instrument-Making Plant, which manufactures sights for high-precision missile weapons.   This enterprise has a completely closed cycle of production, ranging from the manufacture of special glass to the production of digital sights for the anti-tank complexes such as "Stuhna-P", "Korsar" and "Barier". This year, due to efforts of Izyum-based specialists, the DKKB "Luch" sent hundreds of complexes with thousands of missiles attached to them thereby greatly enhancing the anti-tank defense of our units, which on a permanent basis receive long-range and high precision destruction means. In addition, this year Izyum Instrument-Making Plant came up with an entirely new initiative - the OSSN-I optic-target station. This station is equipped with powerful optics, a thermal imager, a laser control channel and a range finder. Such instrumentation makes it possible to not only locate targets, but also to home high-precision weapons which use different types of guidance onto them. Despite such powerful equipment, the diameter of the station is only 43 cm, which makes it possible to install it not only on helicopters, but also on unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, an optical-aiming station stabilized in all planes can be used in armored vehicles and, after making a number of design changes, in marine facilities. Thus, the invention of the "Izium Instrument-Making Plant" may be used for multiple purposes, which guarantees in large-scale production conditions a significant reduction of its cost. Troop command and control Reliable troop command and control, which is achieved via navigation and communications facilities is crucial for effective combat operations. According to NATO standards, the coordination of all units and receipt of operational up-to-date information on allies and targets are the cornerstones of modern military operations. That is why "Ukroboronprom" enterprises are developing elements of the automatic troop control system. One such element is satellite navigation means which are being developed and mass-produced by "Orizon Navigation". The products of this state-owned enterprise are installed on all planes, ships, tanks and other armored vehicles, and are also included in the serviceman’s personal protection system. In 2018, the enterprise supplied more than 500 such systems and facilities. Improving troop command and control is one of the tasks of Kyiv enterprise NTK "Impulse", which continues serial production of SA-10U command and staff vehicles currently used for ensuring communication and coordination of units by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. SA-10U is a special vehicle that ensures a secure communication within a unit at the operational and tactical level. It is completely protected from enemy electronic warfare means, uses various communication channels, including satellite communications. The SA-10U developers paid special attention to digital equipment by developing and implementing special software that ensures transmission of protected information between units in field conditions and in conditions of active enemy countermeasures. Thus, in 2018, 23 enterprises of the cluster of radiolocations, radio communications and special instrument-building made a huge contribution to the development of Ukraine's defense capability. Ukroboronprom 28.12.2018, 10:02

CLUSTER OF HIGH-PRECISION WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION IN 2018: UKRAINE’S MISSILE SHIELD AND AMMUNITION PRODUCTION During 2018, Ukroboronprom enterprises made a significant contribution to providing the Ukrainian army with high-precision weapons and ammunition. In total, more than 2,500 high-precision weapons units were handed over to Ukrainian security forces. This became possible thanks to modern production lines with high-precision machines, which, according to the state program, are installed at the Ukroboronprom enterprises of the high-precision weapons and ammunition cluster. Anti-tank shield   One of the key enterprises in this area is the State Kyiv Design Bureau "Luch", which  developed and launched mass commercial production of high-precision missile systems "Stuhna-P", "Corsar" and "Barier". Hundreds of such complexes complete with thousands of missiles were handed over to the troops. Such weapons can not only deter but also successfully destroy the aggressor's armored groups and the enemy's firing-points. The portable anti-tank missile complex "Stuhna-P" is intended for the destruction of immovable and moving modern armored targets with composite, distributed or monolithic armor, including the one with dynamic protection, as well as small-scale targets such as DOT, a tank in a trench, lightly-armored objects and helicopters. The shooting range is up to 5 km. Guidance is carried out by a laser beam. The light portable missile system "Corsar" effectively destroys enemy targets at a distance of up to 2.5 km, which equals the shooting range of the American FGM-148 Javelin. The missile is guided by means of a laser beam. "Vilkha" and "Neptun" Designers of the State Kyiv Design Bureau "Luch" are credited with developing one of the most advanced weapons known as "Vilkha". This high-precision weapon passed the final firing trials as far back as May. About 15 the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" enterprises and a number of other manufacturers of defense industry products were involved in its creation. However, a distinguishing feature of "Vilkha" is that it is made of only Ukrainian components. Mass production of "Vilkha" is expected to begin soon, which will substantially increase the missile and artillery capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Another invention of the State Kyiv Design Bureau "Luch" which is of strategic importance for the national defense capability of Ukraine is the latest aircraft shaped missile "Neptun". During recent trials, it destroyed a surface target at a distance of 280 km. thereby proving the high efficiency of systems for target control and recognition by the onboard system of the aircraft shaped missile. High-Precision "Kvitnyk" This year the State Enterprise "Science and Production Complex "Progress" completed the modernization and full import substitution of a high-precision 152 mm projectile called "Kvitnyk", which hits a target with an accuracy of several centimeters at a distance of up to 20 km. This accuracy is achieved by means of laser pointing, which can be carried out with an unmanned aerial or a correctional device. The "Kvitnyk" can destroy the most secure targets such as command posts, communications centers, bridges, crossings, support points, etc. Such "intelligent" weapon makes it possible to hit the enemy which hides behind civilian objects. The "Kvitnyk" was adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2012, but so far, no large orders have been made. After the Russian aggression began in 2014, there arose a need to replace Russian components. As of today, this task has been fulfilled 100%: the "Kvitnyk" does not have any components of Russian production. Therefore, the State Enterprise "Scientific and Production Complex "Progress" is quite ready for mass production of "Kvitnyk" and all necessary state trials and is looking forward to receiving orders from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Complex of ammunition enterprises In 2018, the State Concern "Ukroboronprom" began putting together a complex of ammunition industry enterprises. The reason for this was overly complex technological chains that are needed to create artillery ammunition. Making at least one artillery projectile requires concerted efforts of many enterprises and research institutes that develop and make dozens of individual components, initiation means and explosives. In order to accomplish this large-scale task, the state targeted program which is implemented through the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is expected to allocate in the coming years significant funds for the purchase of high-precision machine tools and other serial production equipment. It should be noted that the bulk of these enterprises are located in the town of Shostka, where three Ukroboronprom enterprises have necessary technologies, production premises and highly skilled personnel. These are "Shostkinskyi state-owned plant "Impulse", Chemical Products SRI and "Shostkinskyi state-owned plant "Zirka". It should be noted that in 2018 in addition to its involvement in the "Missile Shield" program, "Impulse" began joint production of 40mm grenades in compliance with NATO standards. Chemical Products SRI began mass commercial production of a rocket-propelled anti-personnel flame thrower RPV-16, which is being supplied to the army by hundreds. Meanwhile, thanks to active support from the central and local authorities, "Zirka" is set to resume production of pyroxiline powder next year. Artem's projectiles In 2018, specialists of the State Joint-Stock Holding Company "Artem" worked hard on the RS-80 "Oskol". These 80-millimeter uncontrolled missiles successfully passed several stages of state trials. Over 300 launches confirmed that the RS-80 complies with the main tactical and technical characteristics and can be used on helicopters and airplanes. The supersonic RS-80 is designed to destroy the enemy's military personnel, armored vehicles, fortifications and other targets. To ensure the most effective enemy destruction the SJSHC "Artem" designers equipped the RS-80 with various combat units and detonators. In addition, SJSHC "Artem" began mass production of new 152-mm projectiles for the "Hyacinth" artillery system. In 2018, these projectiles successfully passed the defining-departmental trials and validated their characteristics. Thus, in 2018, enterprises of the high-precision weapons and ammunitions cluster successfully performed a large volume of works related to the supply of hundreds up-to-date samples of missile weapons to Ukrainian troops. The new high-precision equipment and the implementation of the import substitution program significantly expanded the capabilities of the Ukrainian army, which received advanced weapons capable of destroying the enemy with one shot. Ukroboronprom 26.12.2018, 9:47

"UKROBORONPROM" ADOPTS NATO STANDARDS IN 2019 According to the guideline documents of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and enterprises of the Defence Industry Complex of Ukraine in 2019 Ukraine is to begin implementing NATO principles and standards. In addition, in 2019 Ukraine will begin adopting NATO technical standards in the production of weapons and military equipment in Ukraine. This will significantly improve the quality of Ukrainian weapons and will ensure the mutual compatibility between the combat systems of Ukraine and those of the NATO Member States.   This decision was made during the meeting of the 27th NATO-Ukraine Joint Working Group. This became possible thanks to energetic efforts of the Group which is headed by the First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Oleh Hladkovskyi and the Deputy NATO General Secretary Camil Grand. As noted during the meeting, the Ukraine-NATO Working Group, which is composed of NATO experts, experts of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economic Development of Ukraine and the State Concern "Ukroboronprom", had over the past three years achieved the greatest progress ever in preparing for integration of NATO standards into national regulatory documents. It should be noted that in order speed up the implementation of new standards by the Ukrainian defence sector, in the summer of 2019 NATO technical experts will visit "Ukroboronprom" enterprises, which are part of the aircraft building and radio location clusters. At the same time, it is expected that all adaptation procedures will have been completed and all NATO standards will have been incorporated into the guideline documents of the defence sector and the Defence Industry Complex of Ukraine by the end of 2020. Ukroboronprom 19.12.2018, 14:24