Production of russian Surface-to-air missile systems (SAM) has been halted as plant workers are sent on vacation or to the war in Ukraine.
Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported.
Thus, the production facilities of the UMP have been shut down almost entirely. UMP is a manufacturer of short-range and medium-range radar systems and means of air defense for the ground forces of the russian Armed Forces (“BUK” SAM, "KUB" SAM, SA-19 Grison).
A large number of components and electronic components are required for the production of SAM. Until recently, the main supplier of the russian military-industrial complex was Germany. The country halted its cooperation since the beginning of the russian invasion of Ukraine.
According to the factory’s employees, the plant is unable to continue production on its own, as "almost nothing russian" is used in the technological process.
The plant's management is looking into bypassing sanctions by fixing supplies through third countries, including Kazakhstan. But such schemes lead to a significant increase in the cost of components due to additional payments for services to intermediaries. Extra expenses are also not included in the budget, and there is no possibility to increase it.
"Employees are given a choice: to go on unpaid leave or sign a contract with the armed forces to participate in the war in Ukraine. The recommended position is "operator-gunner of “BUK” SAM",” intelligence of the defence ministry said.
In January, Putin's United russia party offered to officially supply weapons to terrorists in the occupied Donbas.