Informational – analytic review of defense news by Defense and Security Policy Center
1. Armed Forces Development: the press-conference of C-in-C of the UAF Air Force
The press-conference on the current Air Force problems and ways forward was held by C-in-C of the UAF Air Force, General I. Rusnak on Oct 13, 2009 in Vinnitsa.
Comment: I. Rusnak stressed out the insufficient recourses and finances have been allocated in 2009 to suffice the Air Force demands. Instead of requested 70 thousand tons of jet fuel, the Air Force have been supplied with less than 4 thousand tons that hampers a full-fledged pilots training. Besides, Gen I. Rusnak noticed a poor Air equipment status. 2. Combat readiness: inspection of Airmobile Bde
On Oct 14, the inspection of combat and mobilization readiness of Mikolaiv 79th independent Airmobile Bde of Ground Forces has been conducted.
Comment: Airmobile department of Ground Forces of the UAF has checked a Bde’s capability to get a full operational readiness at short notice. The commission has examined a completeness and compliance of staff documents and status of equipment, supplies and materials. C2 functionality of Airmobile Bde and subordinate Army Aviation Regt was also checked. Bde was evaluated as combat ready.
3. Manpower Training: cadet’s field training
During the last two weeks over two hundred of future tank and infantry officers that have their study at the Ground Forces academy named P.Sagaydachniy have been doing their field training on International Peacekeeping and Security Centre, outside Lviv.
Comment: The Peacekeeping Centre is a part of Yavoriv training area where cadets of command faculty finalized their field training. Over two weeks cadets were conducting a tactical exercise, range faring, radio training, engineering and other military crafts.
Since 19 Oct naxt batch of cadets from airmobile department will be deployed at the same Center for advanced field training. During three weeks paratroopers will work up firing, tactics, develop driving skills, will conduct airborne training and parachuting.
4. Manpower Training: final examination of the graduates form Air Force College
Forty graduates of Aviation faculty of the Air College named I.Kozhedub started their passing-out exams. They have come nearer the end with less practice and flying time than previous courses have achieved.
Comment: Aviation faculty provides four specializations: fighter pilot; transport aviation specialist; helicopter pilot and air navigator. In the course of their training cadets used to fly L-39, An-26 and Mi-8 basic platforms.
Nine of those who are expectant to be fighters have gained the average 140 flying hrs. Coming to a final examination they effectively conducted L-39 night flight and in adverse weather conditions. Total flying time of helicopter pilots is average of 50 hrs and four future transport pilots summed up of around 120 hrs.
In general, at the present time the cost of fighter pilot basic training is about 1,5 mln UAH, the training of transport aviation pilot requires 1,8 mln UAH and heliman technical proficiency costs 1,2 mln UAH.
5. International cooperation: visit of Poland National Defence Minister
Mr. B Clikh, the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Poland was visiting Ukraine for two days, form 15 to 16 of Oct 2009.
Comment: Through negotiation progress with acting MoD of Ukraine Mr. A.Ivashenko he discussed a state and perspectives of cooperation between Poland and Ukraine in military demesne, integration of Ukraine to Euro and Euro Atlantic security structures. Mr. A.Ivashenko marked the Ukrainian-Poland partnership as a high priority for our country. While Mr. A.Ivashenko familiarized his Polish counterpart with assemblage progress of newly projected corvette ship, they have also overviewed a military-technical co-operation.
At the Konotop State enterprise “Avia repair plant Aviacon” two ministers had a look an upgraded assault helicopter Mi-24P. It is equipped with much powerful engine made by Motor-Sitch factory. Recently, five helicopters for Polish Army were repaired at this plant, as Aviacon official said.
6. International cooperation: US delegation visited UAF Air Force Command
Representatives of the Office of Defense Cooperation of US Embassy met with UAF Air Force key command staff on Oct 15, in Vinnitsa.
Comment: the aim of meeting was to find the potential ways for bilateral cooperation in 2010. Lt Col S. McCoy, chief of the office of Defence cooperation and Lieutenant General S. Onishenko, the deputy of Air Force C-in-C have considered a possible US technical support for 2010-11 period. The essence of support is to bring a national C2 system, air base management and air force units up to operational in international standards. Project mechanism and joint Working Plan were finally drafted.
7. NATO-Ukraine: Ukraine-NATO development perspectives
General G. Vorobyov, acting Chief of the General Staff held a working meeting with newly appointed Chief of the NATO liaison office in Ukraine Mr. M.Kozhiel.
Comment: during the meeting sides reviewed the state and ways for the future cooperation. G. Vorobyov familiarized NATO representative with military reformation priorities, stressing on the achieved results. Mr. M.Kozhiel assured that Alliance will continue with support to the Ukrainian affiliation policy based on Bucharest’s summit solutions. Accordingly, he has emphasized a complete implement of the National Annual Program of cooperation as a main tool for the process of defence reformation towards interoperability with Alliance.
8. NATO-Ukraine: the NATO counterterrorism operation “Active Endeavour” in Mediterranean
The URS “Ternopil’”, a Ukrainian corvette, has started its third deployment in support of Operation “Active Endeavour” on Oct 15, 2009.
Comment: it will be conducting surveillance and monitoring activities as part of NATO’s maritime counter-terrorist operation in the Mediterranean. Along with vessel crew the marine unit, specifically trained for a searching, is embedded onboard. All data that obtained during mission execution will be reported to Naval Operating Center in Naples (Italy) and NATO Shipping Center in Northwood (UK). “Ternopil’” will carry out its combat duty till the end of November 2009.
Participating in the operation, Ukraine set up a Contact Center on Navy Command HQ, the element of information exchange, emplaced liaison officer at operational HQ in Naples, involves search teams for suspected ships inspection and deploys its combat vessels and units to participate in the counterterrorism operation.
In October - November 2006 corvette “Ternopil’'” performed its first 28-days Mediterranean cruise and in the period of May - July 2007 ship took an active part in the operation “Active Endeavour”. In November - December 2007 a corvette “Lutsk” was involved into the operation, in May - July 2008 it was frigate “Hetman Sagaydachniy” participated and lately, in November - December 2008 corvette “Ternopil'” was again operational. Ukraine continues to demonstrate its commitment to the fight against terrorism and to promoting security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.
9. UAF and society: the press-conference given by the Director of the Defense and Security Policy Center
“Defence budget as key factor for the UAF Air Force development and as degree of the public attitude towards National Security” was the topic of a press-conference held by Mr. Y. Shelest, the Director of the Defense and Security Policy Center, on Oct 15, in Vinnitsa.
Comment: During press-conference, Mr. Y. Shelest emphasized that Ukrainian Air Force as entire Armed Forces is undergoing a most difficult year in its history. First, for 17 years the Military Budget is less then 1 percent of GDP (contains 0.71% of GDP) excluding a special fund. During the last four years an actual financing of the State development Program was about 30-50% of required. This is time to revise a Program and adopt anti-recessionary measures to rescue the UAF, as Mr. Y. Shelest said. As an example he remarked that for restoration of combat capabilities, procurement and upkeep of military equipment in this year, the Government allocated 17% of requested funds, but in reality there was only 1% assigned to UAF, when the rest of 16% come from a special fund that is inactive dummy account and not being filled out.
1. Armed Forces Development: the press-conference of C-in-C of the UAF Air Force
The press-conference on the current Air Force problems and ways forward was held by C-in-C of the UAF Air Force, General I. Rusnak on Oct 13, 2009 in Vinnitsa.
Comment: I. Rusnak stressed out the insufficient recourses and finances have been allocated in 2009 to suffice the Air Force demands. Instead of requested 70 thousand tons of jet fuel, the Air Force have been supplied with less than 4 thousand tons that hampers a full-fledged pilots training. Besides, Gen I. Rusnak noticed a poor Air equipment status. 2. Combat readiness: inspection of Airmobile Bde
On Oct 14, the inspection of combat and mobilization readiness of Mikolaiv 79th independent Airmobile Bde of Ground Forces has been conducted.
Comment: Airmobile department of Ground Forces of the UAF has checked a Bde’s capability to get a full operational readiness at short notice. The commission has examined a completeness and compliance of staff documents and status of equipment, supplies and materials. C2 functionality of Airmobile Bde and subordinate Army Aviation Regt was also checked. Bde was evaluated as combat ready.
3. Manpower Training: cadet’s field training
During the last two weeks over two hundred of future tank and infantry officers that have their study at the Ground Forces academy named P.Sagaydachniy have been doing their field training on International Peacekeeping and Security Centre, outside Lviv.
Comment: The Peacekeeping Centre is a part of Yavoriv training area where cadets of command faculty finalized their field training. Over two weeks cadets were conducting a tactical exercise, range faring, radio training, engineering and other military crafts.
Since 19 Oct naxt batch of cadets from airmobile department will be deployed at the same Center for advanced field training. During three weeks paratroopers will work up firing, tactics, develop driving skills, will conduct airborne training and parachuting.
4. Manpower Training: final examination of the graduates form Air Force College
Forty graduates of Aviation faculty of the Air College named I.Kozhedub started their passing-out exams. They have come nearer the end with less practice and flying time than previous courses have achieved.
Comment: Aviation faculty provides four specializations: fighter pilot; transport aviation specialist; helicopter pilot and air navigator. In the course of their training cadets used to fly L-39, An-26 and Mi-8 basic platforms.
Nine of those who are expectant to be fighters have gained the average 140 flying hrs. Coming to a final examination they effectively conducted L-39 night flight and in adverse weather conditions. Total flying time of helicopter pilots is average of 50 hrs and four future transport pilots summed up of around 120 hrs.
In general, at the present time the cost of fighter pilot basic training is about 1,5 mln UAH, the training of transport aviation pilot requires 1,8 mln UAH and heliman technical proficiency costs 1,2 mln UAH.
5. International cooperation: visit of Poland National Defence Minister
Mr. B Clikh, the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Poland was visiting Ukraine for two days, form 15 to 16 of Oct 2009.
Comment: Through negotiation progress with acting MoD of Ukraine Mr. A.Ivashenko he discussed a state and perspectives of cooperation between Poland and Ukraine in military demesne, integration of Ukraine to Euro and Euro Atlantic security structures. Mr. A.Ivashenko marked the Ukrainian-Poland partnership as a high priority for our country. While Mr. A.Ivashenko familiarized his Polish counterpart with assemblage progress of newly projected corvette ship, they have also overviewed a military-technical co-operation.
At the Konotop State enterprise “Avia repair plant Aviacon” two ministers had a look an upgraded assault helicopter Mi-24P. It is equipped with much powerful engine made by Motor-Sitch factory. Recently, five helicopters for Polish Army were repaired at this plant, as Aviacon official said.
6. International cooperation: US delegation visited UAF Air Force Command
Representatives of the Office of Defense Cooperation of US Embassy met with UAF Air Force key command staff on Oct 15, in Vinnitsa.
Comment: the aim of meeting was to find the potential ways for bilateral cooperation in 2010. Lt Col S. McCoy, chief of the office of Defence cooperation and Lieutenant General S. Onishenko, the deputy of Air Force C-in-C have considered a possible US technical support for 2010-11 period. The essence of support is to bring a national C2 system, air base management and air force units up to operational in international standards. Project mechanism and joint Working Plan were finally drafted.
7. NATO-Ukraine: Ukraine-NATO development perspectives
General G. Vorobyov, acting Chief of the General Staff held a working meeting with newly appointed Chief of the NATO liaison office in Ukraine Mr. M.Kozhiel.
Comment: during the meeting sides reviewed the state and ways for the future cooperation. G. Vorobyov familiarized NATO representative with military reformation priorities, stressing on the achieved results. Mr. M.Kozhiel assured that Alliance will continue with support to the Ukrainian affiliation policy based on Bucharest’s summit solutions. Accordingly, he has emphasized a complete implement of the National Annual Program of cooperation as a main tool for the process of defence reformation towards interoperability with Alliance.
8. NATO-Ukraine: the NATO counterterrorism operation “Active Endeavour” in Mediterranean
The URS “Ternopil’”, a Ukrainian corvette, has started its third deployment in support of Operation “Active Endeavour” on Oct 15, 2009.
Comment: it will be conducting surveillance and monitoring activities as part of NATO’s maritime counter-terrorist operation in the Mediterranean. Along with vessel crew the marine unit, specifically trained for a searching, is embedded onboard. All data that obtained during mission execution will be reported to Naval Operating Center in Naples (Italy) and NATO Shipping Center in Northwood (UK). “Ternopil’” will carry out its combat duty till the end of November 2009.
Participating in the operation, Ukraine set up a Contact Center on Navy Command HQ, the element of information exchange, emplaced liaison officer at operational HQ in Naples, involves search teams for suspected ships inspection and deploys its combat vessels and units to participate in the counterterrorism operation.
In October - November 2006 corvette “Ternopil’'” performed its first 28-days Mediterranean cruise and in the period of May - July 2007 ship took an active part in the operation “Active Endeavour”. In November - December 2007 a corvette “Lutsk” was involved into the operation, in May - July 2008 it was frigate “Hetman Sagaydachniy” participated and lately, in November - December 2008 corvette “Ternopil'” was again operational. Ukraine continues to demonstrate its commitment to the fight against terrorism and to promoting security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.
9. UAF and society: the press-conference given by the Director of the Defense and Security Policy Center
“Defence budget as key factor for the UAF Air Force development and as degree of the public attitude towards National Security” was the topic of a press-conference held by Mr. Y. Shelest, the Director of the Defense and Security Policy Center, on Oct 15, in Vinnitsa.
Comment: During press-conference, Mr. Y. Shelest emphasized that Ukrainian Air Force as entire Armed Forces is undergoing a most difficult year in its history. First, for 17 years the Military Budget is less then 1 percent of GDP (contains 0.71% of GDP) excluding a special fund. During the last four years an actual financing of the State development Program was about 30-50% of required. This is time to revise a Program and adopt anti-recessionary measures to rescue the UAF, as Mr. Y. Shelest said. As an example he remarked that for restoration of combat capabilities, procurement and upkeep of military equipment in this year, the Government allocated 17% of requested funds, but in reality there was only 1% assigned to UAF, when the rest of 16% come from a special fund that is inactive dummy account and not being filled out.
