Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Russian military technology—ranging from small arms to tanks—has been bypassing traditional field tests. This revelation came from Rostec’s head, Sergey Chemezov.
Interestingly, the decision to skip these tests isn’t due to any failures within the systems. Instead, it’s about saving time amidst the war in Ukraine. “Often, new models are tested not on training grounds, but in real combat conditions. This approach significantly shortens the path from factory workshops to army units,” Chemezov explained.
Interestingly, Russia isn’t just saving time on field tests but also on the materials used to manufacture certain systems. This approach aims to expedite their deployment, rather than stemming from a lack of materials. For instance, during the conflict in Ukraine, there were sightings of yellow-green 122mm and 152mm projectiles.
The rationale behind this choice is practical: Russian manufacturers determined that these munitions, heading straight to the front lines, didn’t need the usual anti-corrosion outer shell or the printed technical information field—features reserved for long-term storage. This strategy is part of why a single Russian round costs about $1,000 to produce, while Ukraine receives Western 155mm rounds that cost around $5,000 or more.
The same principle holds for the Russians when it comes to skipping range tests for their new weapon systems. It certainly saves them time, but what do they stand to lose by avoiding these essential trials?
Skipping field tests during the development of new weaponry can result in significant setbacks for Russia. Not putting these systems through their paces means unexpected issues with reliability and effectiveness may go undetected. Field tests are crucial—they not only confirm the system’s technical specifications but also help uncover any potential flaws or weaknesses.
By testing in a controlled environment, engineers and technicians can systematically analyze how the weapon behaves. This meticulous approach is critical to ensuring that these systems perform well under combat conditions. Without such tests, the risk of failures on the front lines increases, which could lead to the loss of life and valuable equipment.
Moreover, bypassing field tests cut back on essential training opportunities for personnel. Testing ranges offer service members the chance to get hands-on experience with new systems, understand their nuances, and learn how to handle various scenarios. Without this crucial training, soldiers might struggle to use the new weapons effectively, potentially diminishing the operational capability of Russia’s forces.
Moreover, field tests allow for the simulation of many scenarios, including those extreme conditions that can’t be easily predicted in real combat. By testing the system under different weather conditions, loads, and situations, experts can gain valuable insights into its real-world performance. Solely relying on tests during actual combat could leave Russia unable to predict how the weapon will behave in unexpected circumstances, potentially leading to failures and lost strategic advantages.
While it might seem pragmatic to bypass field tests to rapidly deploy new weapons to the front lines, this approach has considerable long-term risks. Technical issues, insufficient soldier training, and the inability to replicate complex battlefield conditions can lead to severe losses for Russia and its troops. It’s crucial to remember that innovation and the advancement in weapon systems should not be forsaken for the sake of speed. Thorough testing is essential to ensure both their effectiveness and safety.
The rapid deployment of new weapon systems to the front lines by the Russian government, without extensive prior field testing, highlights several important factors about the current military landscape and the Kremlin’s strategic choices. Primarily, the speed at which these systems are being deployed underscores the pressing urgency of the situation in Ukraine.
Russia is under increasing pressure to enhance its military technology and weaponry to strengthen its operations and mitigate recent losses. Given the intense combat and relentless pressure from Ukrainian forces, Russian commanders might prioritize the rapid deployment of new capabilities over extensive testing phases.
This urgency could reflect a sense of overconfidence or perhaps unwarranted optimism about the new systems’ performance. The Russian military-industrial complex is likely feeling the strain to showcase cutting-edge advancements, potentially bypassing traditional testing protocols. While there’s a belief that real-world combat can yield essential insights for system improvements, this approach undeniably carries significant risks.
Thirdly, the rapid deployment of weapons to the front line may also be influenced by domestic political motives. Russia might be striving to project strength and military prowess to sustain public support and enhance the government’s standing. In this context, successfully rolling out new weapons, even without extensive testing, can serve as political leverage.
Moreover, swift action can signal insufficient resources or economic pressures. Limited funding might hinder comprehensive testing and quality control, pushing Russia to adopt quick fixes, thereby increasing the risks associated with deploying these new technologies in combat scenarios.
Referencing the statement by Sergey Chemezov, the head of Rostec, he emphasized that since the establishment of the Northern Military District, defense enterprises have significantly ramped up their pace. However, current production levels are far from maxed out. “Existing production volumes are not the limit for us. Rostec gunsmiths are ready to quickly respond to the growing needs of the army and do everything to defeat the external enemy,” Chemezov shared on Rostec’s Telegram channel.
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