As for this, I would prefer that someone who knows the realities of Ukraine right now should speak. Ukraine not only "inherited" large quantities of equipment from the USSR, it has the knowledge and equipment to repair and modernize it. Much of this equipment has been sold, but probably still in the Ukraine would be enough BMP1 in a condition allowing for renovation and introduction to units, without the need to buy abroad.
 
Well, the problem is not availability .... in theory, Ukraine has really no shortage of equipment. The problem is how much is operational. You can have 1000 armor, but only 20-30 of it being operational. That's the issue here. Sometimes its cheaper to just buy new equipment than repair everything. I think people often vastly underestimate how much effort it takes to repair, maintain and mobilize a military during peace and war time and supply it with sufficient amount of material and supplies. Fuel is a massive problem. Lot of vehicles can't be operated just because of fuel shortage. Ammunition is a problem, replacement of outdated, old, cut, distorted wiring, electronics etc. Smaller armies suffer such issues, now image an army with the inventory of Ukraine, Russia etc and a certain degree of neglect over the decades. That is why for war, you only can mobilize so much, that is combat effective, and not more, even when you have "millions" of troops. The distribution of equipment, ammo and supplies must be efficient.

Smaller force + good support, logistcs and supply >>>> Larger force + moderate support, poor logistics and limited supply.

However yes, indeed. Having such massive reserves of equipment is good, especialy when you have a heavy industry that is capable of putting everything back on track. But that is a mammoth task, and I can imagine Ukraine's military industry and economy suffering quite a lot from the ongoing crisis.
 
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Guys, once again you have a very optimistic view of the Ukrainian armament industry, and its capabilities. Only now, it begins to show signs of recovery. Gordus hit the nail on the hand, there is a lot of scrap metal on hand, but it takes a lot of effort to even build one of something from dozens of examples in inventory. Through intermediaries, Ukrainians have been buying made in Russia spare parts. For example, there is a shortage of 30mm cannons for BMP-2s. If the BMPs are from Czech Republic, then I think T-72 tanks will be next.
 
Through intermediaries, Ukrainians have been buying made in Russia spare parts. For example, there is a shortage of 30mm cannons for BMP-2s. If the BMPs are from Czech Republic, then I think T-72 tanks will be next.

Yep, spare parts have become a massive issue in almost every country with Soviet equipment. That's the reason we had to scrap a ton of our stuff as well. Its especialy an issue with aircraft and tanks.
 
NATO Secretary General and North Atlantic Council visit Ukraine. (July 2017)

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Unheralded heroes of the conflict. Air Defense units equipped with 9K33 Osa SA-8 systems, aka Drone hunters. Only God knows how many Ukrainian servicemen lives have been saved by these folks. Also, the credit has to go to Ukrainians who somehow gave the obsolete system a new purpose and modified it for the most important task at the moment.
 
As for this, I would prefer that someone who knows the realities of Ukraine right now should speak. Ukraine not only "inherited" large quantities of equipment from the USSR, it has the knowledge and equipment to repair and modernize it. Much of this equipment has been sold, but probably still in the Ukraine would be enough BMP1 in a condition allowing for renovation and introduction to units, without the need to buy abroad.

Got some more info. These are ex-NVA (GDR) that Sweden bought back in the day, but never put in the service. These were later sold to the Polish company as Sweden didn't want to sell directly to Ukraine. These BMP-1AKs are indeed upgraded with at least new communications suite and maybe more. The engines and components on them have no more than 200km. No, Ukraine doesn't have any BMP stoc in such condition. Most of the grade A stuff has been sold to Arab and African nations long time ago, Ukrainian BMP-1s were going for $100K
 
Honoring the memory of the fallen.

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Random photos

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T-64BM Bulat

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AN-225 in Saudi Arabia

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One of the more successful Ukrainian modernization projects. Conversion of MTLB prime movers into battlefield ambulances. 120 has been ordered by Ministry of Defense, but far more are needed.
 

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