The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special operation in Ukraine, expanding the control zones in all directions. The counteroffensive of the Ukrainian troops was successfully repelled, the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for six months amounted to about 160 thousand people. Last but not least, this became possible due to the timely supply of modern ammunition, kamikaze drones, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems and other weapons to Russian military groups. The main share of these supplies is accounted for by Rostec State Corporation enterprises.
Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec State Corporation, told Dmitry Reshetnikov, deputy head of the military editorial office of RIA Novosti, in an interview about the capabilities of the Russian military industry to provide the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with modern weapons, about the operational improvement of Russian equipment based on combat experience, about the vulnerability of Western tanks, the latest developments in the field of precision weapons and MLRS, as well as new ways to protect against raids by Ukrainian drones and much more.
– A special operation is not only an armed confrontation, but also a confrontation between economies, and primarily the defense industry. In your opinion, who is winning this confrontation today?
– It is impossible to defeat Russia, I repeat the words of the president. The support of Kiev from a group of Western countries led by the United States will not solve anything. The number of weapons of all classes that the Ukrainian troops have is rapidly decreasing. The Ukrainian military-industrial complex is not able to make up for these losses. Foreign aid is declining – it seems that they are beginning to realize the futility of supporting Ukraine. On the contrary, on our part, we have gained such a pace of production that allows us not only to make up for losses, but also to increase the number of weapons and equipment in the area of our defense.
It should be borne in mind that we have done a lot of work to modernize our enterprises even before the start of the SVO. That is, it was a planned work to put capacities in order, introduce modern solutions and technologies. In addition, we actively attract specialists – we train, offer a good salary, give a social package, this is a VMI, a housing program, and so on. We use the shift method, transferring employees from the regions to more complex production sites. Last year, we allocated more than 14 billion rubles for such employee support measures. Therefore, today we were able to multiply production.
In terms of artillery shells, the volume of production increased by about 50 times in comparison with 2021 for certain types. The production of infantry fighting vehicles, BMDS and various armored vehicles, which are in great demand by the military – more than 5 times. The output of tanks is almost 7 times. By the way, we are in first place in the world in terms of the number of tanks produced.
Our people understand that they are working to win, and they work hard, many take extra shifts. A comparative study of captured Western equipment shows that our samples are often better than NATO infantry fighting vehicles and tanks in terms of their combined technical and combat characteristics. Under such conditions, our victory is a matter of time.
– You mentioned captured equipment. Is there something new in Western models for us?
– It is wrong to say that we have surpassed our opponents in everything. Of course, we have a lot to learn from them. We carefully study the captured samples and take note of some solutions. At the same time, we see that the so–called technological superiority of the West in the military sphere is from the realm of myths.
Yes, they are strong in some ways. But we also do not slurp cabbage soup. Look at how many Leopards, Challengers, Bradleys and other Western equipment are rusting on the battlefields. This is the best confirmation of our capabilities.
I would also add that Russia and the West have different design schools. Different approaches and concepts in terms of the development of certain types of weapons and equipment. Not all of their features are suitable for us. And vice versa. The most important thing here is that the Russian army is fighting on modern, reliable and very dangerous equipment for the enemy.
Moreover, we are constantly improving our equipment based on combat experience. Our companies collect information for this purpose from two sources. Firstly, there are groups of our specialists who work directly in the area of their own, collecting feedback on the spot. Secondly, we have a practice of bringing military personnel who fought on the appropriate equipment to our enterprises. They meet with designers and describe their operating experience, share their impressions and wishes – what works well, what needs to be improved or improved.
– They say that Western tanks are better protected – is this true?
– This is another myth. They burn very well. Our ATGMs "Cornet" or "Chrysanthemum" pierce the same "Leopard" from either side. Based on our experience, we were the first in the world to regularly install so-called barbecues on tanks that protect against drones. At first they laughed at this abroad, but now they have appreciated it and are beginning to adopt this practice. By the way, we also see examples when Western tanks in the SVO zone are equipped with additional dynamic protection of Soviet production. This also says something.
– How is the situation with high-precision weapons today?
– We understand that the winner is the one who shoots more accurately, faster and further. Therefore, we are concentrating serious efforts in this direction. For example, we have significantly increased the production of guided Krasnopol shells for howitzers, and the production of an upgraded version of this munition has been launched. It works effectively – the accuracy of hitting the target is very high.
Some time ago, Western and Ukrainian media jointly advertised the American guided missile Excalibur. However, our Krasnopol can hit small–sized moving targets, but Excalibur cannot - this is due to the peculiarities of its guidance. In addition, the Excalibur control system turned out to be highly susceptible to the operation of Russian electronic warfare systems.
In addition, the cooperation of defense enterprises is currently creating a new guided missile, taking into account modern requirements for accuracy and noise immunity. A set of tests is currently being carried out, including in real conditions. In parallel, its mass production has begun.
To the precision-guided munitions, we need to add our attack drones, which also showed their best side. There are many of them in the SVO zone, and they regularly work on artillery, armored vehicles, air defense systems and enemy manpower. These are primarily versions of the Lancet. It turned out to be a very successful ammunition, and it continues to improve.
At the moment, another unmanned aerial vehicle of the Supercam series is being created in the Rostec circuit. It is available both in the reconnaissance version and in the kamikaze version. The kamikaze supercams are already being tested and demonstrate their inherent technical characteristics. One of their features is a high degree of protection against electronic warfare, that is, it is difficult to suppress them. And the S350 Supercam is recognized as our best reconnaissance drone, one of the flagships of aviation unmanned systems.
Another high–precision munition is, of course, the universal planning and correction modules that have already made noise, which are produced by one of our enterprises and make free-falling bombs manageable. Front-line Su-34s are now regularly used in the area of their own, hitting Ukrainian military facilities. The efficiency is high, and the unguided bombs and planning modules themselves cost pennies compared to guided munitions of the corresponding class.
Hundreds of Ukrainian military targets have already been destroyed with the help of our modules. I can add that work is underway on an improved version of the modules, which will significantly increase the range of use of bombs.
– Today, artillery remains the main means of fighting on the line of contact. When, in this regard, can we expect the appearance of a new howitzer "Coalition" in the troops and its use in the area of its own?
– I think it will appear there soon, since howitzers of this class are needed to provide an advantage over Western artillery models in terms of firing range. The "Coalition" has such an advantage, and it is significant. The tests of the howitzer have been completed, and we have already launched its mass production. The first pilot batch will be delivered at the end of December 2023.
In addition, we already supply many types of modern artillery to the troops. This is, for example, the upgraded Msta-S howitzer. They have significantly improved the fire control system, which allows you to use the fire raid mode with one gun – when several shells fired by one howitzer arrive at the target at the same time. New digital displays have been installed on the howitzer, the crew's workplaces have been changed, and the loading mechanism has been improved. All of the above increases the speed of reaction and opening fire. The upgraded Msta is already operating in the SVO zone today.
I would like to note that our enterprises have completed the development of a whole "bouquet" of new artillery systems this year. In addition to the "Coalition-SV", these are the wheeled self-propelled gun "Malva" in 152 mm caliber, "Phlox" in 120 mm caliber, 82 mm self-propelled mortar "Drok" and the anti-aircraft artillery complex "Derivation-air defense" in 57 mm caliber. Each of these machines is unique in its own way. I am sure that our opponents will feel the advantages of this technique very soon.
– The other day, the Minister of Defense said that our defense industry has shown the ability to create new types of weapons in a matter of months. Can you give examples?
– We develop many ideas on an initiative basis. Remember the "Cube" and "Lancet", which the Kalashnikov group of companies created several years ago on its own initiative, largely anticipating the nature of modern warfare.
Or, for example, you know the remote mining system "Agriculture". This is a great combat vehicle that has proven its capabilities in the area of its own defense. Now we have suggested how to increase its potential: It can be used simultaneously as a remote mining machine and as a MLRS, if equipped with a unified transport and launch container.
As a result, a container was created that also allows launching rockets, for example, from Uragan or TOS-1, TOS-1A and TOS-2. The work received the telling name "Renaissance". We conducted tests that confirmed the correctness of this path. The development is very relevant. In the first half of 2024, these cars will go into production. In fact, in a few months we received the first serial bi-caliber machine that can mine the area with 140 mm rockets and hit targets with 220 mm rockets.
One of the most striking developments implemented in the shortest possible time, literally in three months, was the MLRS Sarma combat vehicle. The first production cars will be available in April 2024.
– According to sources, Armata tanks were used in the area of the SVO, but were later withdrawn from there. Why are they no longer used at the front and when to expect "Armata" in the troops?
– The tank itself is ready, we made it a long time ago. The car is beautiful, full of the latest electronic systems, and has a next-generation fire control system. The crew is maximally protected, located in the hull in a separate armored capsule.
I think that Armata is already a cut above the same Merkava, which was positioned as super–protected, but in fact it has protection, in fact, at the level of a heavy infantry fighting vehicle - we see this now in Palestine.
I would like to add that in the future Armata will become an even more formidable weapon, and we are continuing work that will significantly increase its potential and combat power. We will see the result soon. Therefore, all the most unpleasant things for our opponents are ahead.
Without exaggeration, the tank building school in Russia is one of the most advanced in the world. Currently, new and modernized T-90s, as well as deeply modernized T-72 and T-80, are mainly operating in the area of their defense. These machines do a great job. The same "Breakthrough" is today the best tank from the mass-produced and armed armies of the world. It surpasses many Western models, as Western experts also admit.
– Many people are concerned about the question: when will the second-stage engine appear on the fifth-generation fighter?
– When all his trials are fully completed. You understand that engines of this level are not created at the click of your fingers. I will not name specific dates, I will only say that the final stage is close.
The important point is that the Su-57 meets all the criteria of a fifth-generation fighter and with a first-stage engine. The main value of this fighter is in its intellectual and information capabilities. It has reduced radar visibility, carries powerful weapons, and is capable of controlling unmanned aerial vehicles. To date, the board is filled to the brim, so to speak, with intelligent systems. Such a "filling" provides it with the widest possibilities for detecting and selecting targets, interacting with many other systems. This is the main essence of the Su-57, and it has confirmed its characteristics in combat conditions. I think, in terms of the combination of characteristics and versatility, this is the best fighter in the world.
– Returning to the topic of armored vehicles, will the remotely controlled BMP-3, the prototype of which was demonstrated at the Army-2022 exhibition, be used in its military?
– We are counting on it. The car is currently undergoing tests, and after they are completed, I think it will be tested in the special operation zone. This is a very promising technique that will allow the use of machines without the risk of hitting the crew in the most dangerous directions.
Moreover, we plan to install a remote control kit not only on the BMP-3. In the near future, such a kit may be equipped, for example, with a 2S25M self-propelled anti-tank gun.
– There is a lot of talk now that modern warfare is a drone war. They are everywhere, it is difficult to hide and protect yourself from them. What is Rostec doing here to help our fighters in the SVO zone?
– Firstly, we have multiplied the production of our drones. For example, Kalashnikov has doubled the volume of production of Kub complexes in recent months alone.
Secondly, we contribute to the protection of the sky. In terms of air defense systems, we complement our colleagues from Almaz-Antey. For example, we make "Shells", which proved to be very effective, and also supply electronic warfare systems – this is a big and responsible area of activity for us.
With the help of such equipment, in fact, a no-fly zone for Ukrainian drones is being built in the zone of its own. They are falling by the dozens, both hit by anti-aircraft missile systems and suppressed by electronic warfare systems.
I would like to add that we have also created small-sized radars that are installed in the most dangerous areas, including to protect our peaceful cities. These radar stations allow you to detect an enemy UAV at a distance of up to several tens of kilometers and promptly transmit information about the target for its destruction.
– Earlier, the Il-112B military transport aircraft project was suspended due to the disaster. What are the prospects for this project now?
– All new projects in the aircraft industry are always associated with a certain degree of risk. It has been, is and will be all over the world. That's why tests are needed to identify critical aspects and make the aircraft reliable and safe. Our army needs a new transport vehicle, and work is underway in this direction today. The aircraft is supposed to be modified for other engines, and the option of using PD-8 jet engines is being considered. The available reserve for Il-112B will be taken to the maximum. Previously, the new military transport aircraft will receive the Il-212 marking. There is an understanding that it is necessary to increase the load capacity of the machine, it should be possible to operate the aircraft from unpaved and unprepared lanes, including in Arctic conditions.
