Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Does new Russian equipment sighted in Ukraine reflect expediency or policy shifts?

8th November 2022 - 14:15 GMT | by Alex Orlov in Helsinki

RSS

The Remdizel Z-STS, seen here at the Army-2022 exhibition near Moscow uses only domestically produced components and can be produced 'ten times' as fast as equivalent Taifun family vehicles. (Photo: via author)

Deployment of new equipment to Ukraine may reflect efforts by the Russian defence industry to overcome materiel shortages, while buying time for restructuring and adjusting to new conditions.

Recent combat footage from Ukraine appears to show newly deployed Russian equipment, such as Taifun-VDV and Z-STS protected trucks or VPK-590951 VPK-Ural multipurpose armoured vehicles.

Additionally, a group of Kamaz-43269 Vystrels armed with the Spica RCWS has been spotted in transit. While the influx of new materiel may indicate preparation for specific operations, the more likely reason lies elsewhere.

The main motive may be the need for Russian's military industry to overcome effects of sanctions and disrupted supply chains. Industry needs time to alter designs and retool production lines, but in the meantime it is offering simpler, cheaper models designed

Already have an account? Log in