Informational – analytic review of defense news by Defense and Security Policy Center
1. National Defence Capability: The President of Ukraine criticized a financial condition in the UAF
The financing system of the Ukrainian Armed Forces becomes a “problem number one” which is not merely undermining a combat training and sustention, but also subverting the moral and patriotic feelings as the President of Ukraine said on Sept 8, 2009, in the end of a large tactical exercise of Joint Naval Group.
Comment: the President has pointed out, that 88% of air assets are not able for immediate lift off, 70% of ships and supporting vessels are not combat capable and 40% of armored equipment and artillery systems have degraded combat readiness. Besides that 3 military bases stay fully disconnected from the electricity sources and 25 more – partially. The combat training is being marginally acceptable and due to lack of funds the about 96% of personnel have a book-learnt knowledge only. Since the existing situation in this year, more than 1400 soldiers doubtlessly torn up their contracts due to an enormous infraction by the MoD, a defaulting party.
V. Yushenko enacted the Government and released an urgent order to put immediately the utmost efforts to pay off the Armed Forces in accordance with the State Budget 2009. He has appraised the Budget 2009 as most incompetent towards the UAF (MoD 08.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua; UkrInform, www.ukrinform.ua).
2. Military leadership: Chief of the General Staff resignation
On Oct 5, acting Minister of Defence received a resignation from the Chief of Staff, C-in-C of UAF, General of the Army of Ukraine Serhii Kirichenko.
Comment: S. Kirichenko took this step due to his health status. Now, based on effective regulations he is under medical examination at the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces. However, the final decision must be made by the head of State.
The President V. Yushenko has noticed that S. Kirichenko is high professional and a man who contributed much for the Ukrainian army development. His inducting in this appointment gave rise to a new military doctrine and strategy, his strong efforts enabled an upgrading process of the Armed Forces (MoD 08.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua).
3. UAF Development: Research Exercise at the Air Force
Practical phase of Air research exercise was conducted on the Kolomiya Airbase, in Ivano-Francovsk region. The event involved the number of units and command structures from Tactical Avi Bdes and UAF Air Force Base.
Comment: This phase is sequel of ongoing experiment sought to optimize the Air Force structures through reforming the Tactical Avi Bde into Air Force Base.
Main objectives of the research are to examine the capabilities of projected Air Base structure to support any operational use of air assets of all types, no limit replenishment with weapons and jet fuel. The practical phase involved in around 1000 servicemen, 10 different-type aircrafts and service support elements. The aircrafts represented were fighters, bombers, EW, Recces and cargos (MiG-29, Su-25, Su-24MP, An-26) and helicopters fleet as well (MoD 09.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua).
4. Combat training: Navy tactical exercise
September 8, in Crimea near Donuzlav Lake the all-arms Naval Group conducted a joint tactical exercise, with participation of Air, Navy components, coast defense and marine units.
Comment: The training convened over 1000 militaries, 5 ships (amphibious ships “K. Olshanskiy”, “Kirovograd”, minesweeper “Cherkassi” sea tug “Kovel” and tugboat “Novoozerne”), Air component with Su-25, MiG-29, An-26, Be-12, Ka-27, Mi-14, Mi-24, Mi-8 and Land units brought BTR-80, BMP-2.The training purpose were to consolidate C2 structure, improve training standards of all services and to drill interaction between components. During active stage units located, disarmed and destroy “illegal military groups” which were operating along seaside area.
The President of Ukraine V. Yushenko and high military command observed the practical part (MoD 08.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua).
5. Combat training: 8 Army Corps command and staff exercise
September 7, in the “Shirokiy Lan” training Area near Mikolaiv, 72nd Mech Bde conducted field firing as practical phase of 8th Army Corps command and staff exercise.
Comment: maneuver and combat support units have practiced delaying action. More than 1000 personnel and 150 units of equipment were participating in exercise. Air support was provided by Mi-24 attack helicopters from Helicopter Regt of 79 Air Mobile Bde and Su-25 assault aircrafts from Mikolaiv Tactical Avi Bde. All units took a great opportunity to train together the targeting process and live firing (MoD 07.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua)
6. Professionalism of the UAF: development of the selection system for cadets
The Minister’s of Defence order sanctioned Instruction that describes procedures of professional and psychological check of the candidates during their selection to higher military educational establishments.
Comment: instruction was promulgated by Minister’s of Defence order #335 ”On approval of Instruction with the procedures of professional and psychological selection of candidates to higher military educational establishments”. It clarifies arrangements and techniques of conducting such selection, individual potential and mental ability demands.
Long ago Defense and Security Policy Center have proved that the general criteria of important abilities has been essential in the process of selecting the future military serviceman.
Supporting the effectiveness of professional and psychological selection it became urgent to orientate them in two stages. Trough the first check – a separation by psychophysics tests and during the second – determine of their professional aptitude to effectively perform job and duties.
7. Peacekeeping: Ukrainians found weapons cave in Afghanistan
While providing a medical assistance to the local people in Maydanak, Ukrainian medics, found weapon cave close to village.
Comment: Ukrainian military medics from ISAF multinational medical team conducted humanitarian activity with medical aid to residents of remote highland settlement Maydanak, Ghor Province. During this day medics examined over 220 patients, from which 112 children. Medics handed over to local clinic a healthcare products and hygiene remedy. Ukrainians have also checked a selected place for temporary camp where they eventually found 71 units of 81mm mortar bombs (МoD 05.10.09, www.mil.gov.ua).
Ukrainian personnel has been a part of ISAF since May 2007. Currently 10 Ukrainians doing their duties in Afghanistan: 1 – at the ISAF HQ, 2 are in NSE and rest of 7 doctors are attached to Lithuanian unit at Ghor Provincial Reconstruction Team, Chaghcharan township.
8. International Cooperation: Vishegrad G-4 Defence Ministers meeting
The meeting of Defence Ministers of Vishegrad nations foursome with Ukrainian and Balkan states participation came about in the period of 8 to 9 Sept, in Budapest.
Comment: On invitation of Vishegrad G-4 the military leaders from Ukraine and Western Balkan States – B&H, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro took part at the meeting. Ukrainian delegation was led by acting Minister of Defence Mr. V. Ivashenko.
Participants discussed the Ukrainian Europe and Euro Atlantic integration perspectives. The matters of bilateral and multilateral military cooperation have been considered as well. Mr. V. Ivashenko rose the points and discussed the options for bilateral cooperation with Hungarian Republic and Republic of Serbia.
In accordance with reached agreements there was general declaration signed. This document supports Ukrainian Euro Atlantic aspirations and Vishegrad nations will provide a relevant assistance over the key aspects in the military reforms (МoD 09.10.09, www.mil.gov.ua).
Vishegrad entity is a regional association of Central Europe that interlinks Hungary, Poland, Check Republic and Slovakia. Their cooperation has multifaceted character. The organization has no permanent secretariat and own office, however it makes decision collectively during the workshops, leant on pluralistic attributes and implement the decided through the efforts of specially called working group.
The formal start-up was on since 15 Feb 1991 with signing by the presidents of participating nations the Declaration for Cooperation in Hungarian Vishegrad town.
1. National Defence Capability: The President of Ukraine criticized a financial condition in the UAF
The financing system of the Ukrainian Armed Forces becomes a “problem number one” which is not merely undermining a combat training and sustention, but also subverting the moral and patriotic feelings as the President of Ukraine said on Sept 8, 2009, in the end of a large tactical exercise of Joint Naval Group.
Comment: the President has pointed out, that 88% of air assets are not able for immediate lift off, 70% of ships and supporting vessels are not combat capable and 40% of armored equipment and artillery systems have degraded combat readiness. Besides that 3 military bases stay fully disconnected from the electricity sources and 25 more – partially. The combat training is being marginally acceptable and due to lack of funds the about 96% of personnel have a book-learnt knowledge only. Since the existing situation in this year, more than 1400 soldiers doubtlessly torn up their contracts due to an enormous infraction by the MoD, a defaulting party.
V. Yushenko enacted the Government and released an urgent order to put immediately the utmost efforts to pay off the Armed Forces in accordance with the State Budget 2009. He has appraised the Budget 2009 as most incompetent towards the UAF (MoD 08.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua; UkrInform, www.ukrinform.ua).
2. Military leadership: Chief of the General Staff resignation
On Oct 5, acting Minister of Defence received a resignation from the Chief of Staff, C-in-C of UAF, General of the Army of Ukraine Serhii Kirichenko.
Comment: S. Kirichenko took this step due to his health status. Now, based on effective regulations he is under medical examination at the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces. However, the final decision must be made by the head of State.
The President V. Yushenko has noticed that S. Kirichenko is high professional and a man who contributed much for the Ukrainian army development. His inducting in this appointment gave rise to a new military doctrine and strategy, his strong efforts enabled an upgrading process of the Armed Forces (MoD 08.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua).
3. UAF Development: Research Exercise at the Air Force
Practical phase of Air research exercise was conducted on the Kolomiya Airbase, in Ivano-Francovsk region. The event involved the number of units and command structures from Tactical Avi Bdes and UAF Air Force Base.
Comment: This phase is sequel of ongoing experiment sought to optimize the Air Force structures through reforming the Tactical Avi Bde into Air Force Base.
Main objectives of the research are to examine the capabilities of projected Air Base structure to support any operational use of air assets of all types, no limit replenishment with weapons and jet fuel. The practical phase involved in around 1000 servicemen, 10 different-type aircrafts and service support elements. The aircrafts represented were fighters, bombers, EW, Recces and cargos (MiG-29, Su-25, Su-24MP, An-26) and helicopters fleet as well (MoD 09.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua).
4. Combat training: Navy tactical exercise
September 8, in Crimea near Donuzlav Lake the all-arms Naval Group conducted a joint tactical exercise, with participation of Air, Navy components, coast defense and marine units.
Comment: The training convened over 1000 militaries, 5 ships (amphibious ships “K. Olshanskiy”, “Kirovograd”, minesweeper “Cherkassi” sea tug “Kovel” and tugboat “Novoozerne”), Air component with Su-25, MiG-29, An-26, Be-12, Ka-27, Mi-14, Mi-24, Mi-8 and Land units brought BTR-80, BMP-2.The training purpose were to consolidate C2 structure, improve training standards of all services and to drill interaction between components. During active stage units located, disarmed and destroy “illegal military groups” which were operating along seaside area.
The President of Ukraine V. Yushenko and high military command observed the practical part (MoD 08.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua).
5. Combat training: 8 Army Corps command and staff exercise
September 7, in the “Shirokiy Lan” training Area near Mikolaiv, 72nd Mech Bde conducted field firing as practical phase of 8th Army Corps command and staff exercise.
Comment: maneuver and combat support units have practiced delaying action. More than 1000 personnel and 150 units of equipment were participating in exercise. Air support was provided by Mi-24 attack helicopters from Helicopter Regt of 79 Air Mobile Bde and Su-25 assault aircrafts from Mikolaiv Tactical Avi Bde. All units took a great opportunity to train together the targeting process and live firing (MoD 07.10.09; www.mil.gov.ua)
6. Professionalism of the UAF: development of the selection system for cadets
The Minister’s of Defence order sanctioned Instruction that describes procedures of professional and psychological check of the candidates during their selection to higher military educational establishments.
Comment: instruction was promulgated by Minister’s of Defence order #335 ”On approval of Instruction with the procedures of professional and psychological selection of candidates to higher military educational establishments”. It clarifies arrangements and techniques of conducting such selection, individual potential and mental ability demands.
Long ago Defense and Security Policy Center have proved that the general criteria of important abilities has been essential in the process of selecting the future military serviceman.
Supporting the effectiveness of professional and psychological selection it became urgent to orientate them in two stages. Trough the first check – a separation by psychophysics tests and during the second – determine of their professional aptitude to effectively perform job and duties.
7. Peacekeeping: Ukrainians found weapons cave in Afghanistan
While providing a medical assistance to the local people in Maydanak, Ukrainian medics, found weapon cave close to village.
Comment: Ukrainian military medics from ISAF multinational medical team conducted humanitarian activity with medical aid to residents of remote highland settlement Maydanak, Ghor Province. During this day medics examined over 220 patients, from which 112 children. Medics handed over to local clinic a healthcare products and hygiene remedy. Ukrainians have also checked a selected place for temporary camp where they eventually found 71 units of 81mm mortar bombs (МoD 05.10.09, www.mil.gov.ua).
Ukrainian personnel has been a part of ISAF since May 2007. Currently 10 Ukrainians doing their duties in Afghanistan: 1 – at the ISAF HQ, 2 are in NSE and rest of 7 doctors are attached to Lithuanian unit at Ghor Provincial Reconstruction Team, Chaghcharan township.
8. International Cooperation: Vishegrad G-4 Defence Ministers meeting
The meeting of Defence Ministers of Vishegrad nations foursome with Ukrainian and Balkan states participation came about in the period of 8 to 9 Sept, in Budapest.
Comment: On invitation of Vishegrad G-4 the military leaders from Ukraine and Western Balkan States – B&H, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro took part at the meeting. Ukrainian delegation was led by acting Minister of Defence Mr. V. Ivashenko.
Participants discussed the Ukrainian Europe and Euro Atlantic integration perspectives. The matters of bilateral and multilateral military cooperation have been considered as well. Mr. V. Ivashenko rose the points and discussed the options for bilateral cooperation with Hungarian Republic and Republic of Serbia.
In accordance with reached agreements there was general declaration signed. This document supports Ukrainian Euro Atlantic aspirations and Vishegrad nations will provide a relevant assistance over the key aspects in the military reforms (МoD 09.10.09, www.mil.gov.ua).
Vishegrad entity is a regional association of Central Europe that interlinks Hungary, Poland, Check Republic and Slovakia. Their cooperation has multifaceted character. The organization has no permanent secretariat and own office, however it makes decision collectively during the workshops, leant on pluralistic attributes and implement the decided through the efforts of specially called working group.
The formal start-up was on since 15 Feb 1991 with signing by the presidents of participating nations the Declaration for Cooperation in Hungarian Vishegrad town.
