Russian military's outdated storage woes exposed by insider
A Russian military blogger has revealed the truth about the vast stockpiles of Russian military equipment. Here are his insights.
The blogger posted a comprehensive analysis on VKontakte regarding the current state of equipment replacements and the capabilities of the Russian production industry.
He criticizes the Soviet method of storing equipment outdoors without even the simplest shelters, giving it a failing grade. The Russian authorities are also criticized for ignoring this issue. As a result, equipment exposed to rain and snow has deteriorated significantly for several decades, requiring extensive work to restore it.
As an example, he explains that, on average, three BMP-1/2s are needed to assemble one fully functional unit after an overhaul. The situation is worsened because the best models were designated for export, such as to Syria, leaving inferior models for Russia. The supposedly vast Russian military-industrial complex, according to the blogger, is merely a facade.
He notes that for years, the industry has relied on the legacy of the USSR, repairing and upgrading equipment before selling it. Unlike during the USSR, current companies cannot physically produce new equipment, affecting production capabilities as the supply of post-Soviet stock diminishes.
The military blogger also observes that a large order for artillery ammunition only surfaced in 2022, following a significant reduction in the number of factories in the 1990s and 2000s.
The Russian aims to emulate European storage models
He argues that restructuring storage warehouses will be a crucial issue after the end of the "special operation" (as Russians refer to the war in Ukraine). He cites Germany as an example, where Leopard tanks are housed in heated hangars. In Belgium, tanks are stored similarly in a private warehouse, OIP.
As a minimum step, the blogger suggests placing equipment on concrete slabs rather than grass, which is common now, and using hot air pipes to dry the interior of each vehicle. Rain protection should include shelters or waterproof covers, akin to measures used at damaged car auctions in the USA.
