Newly appointed Ukrainian Defense Minister Dmytro Salamatin has said that the army is to face radical changes in resource and logistical support.
He said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine that work is currently being done to improve the combat readiness and technical re-equipment of the army, improve the troop management system, and ensure good military education and a professional level among servicemen.
"Radical changes are expected in the resource and logistical support of the Armed Forces," the minister said.
In particular, Salamatin said that Ukraine had approved programs for the creation and construction of the Sapsan multipurpose missile system and the corvette battleship.
He said that 11 new and 29 upgraded samples of weapons and military equipment had been added to the army’s arsenal, in particular, an automated command and control system, the Stugna-P anti-tank missile system, and radar systems of various types.
"Of course, the constant lack of funding for the development, modernization and procurement of weapons and military equipment that has been observed for many years has had a negative effect on the combat readiness of the Ukrainian army," he said.
In this regard, he said that it was impossible to resolve all of the problems that have accumulated over many years.
"Many arms that are currently in the arsenal of our troops have to be replaced. In this regard, the Defense Ministry hopes for the regular funding of the development and procurement of arms and military equipment in the defense budget in 2012," Salamatin said.
