Non-Delivery Of Ukrainian Gas Turbine Engines Stall Russian Naval Ship Construction

Russia would not be able to build new surface ships because of the non-delivery of Ukrainian gas turbine engines, Ria Novosti quoted Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin as saying on Wednesday.

Rogozin later tweeted saying that Russia cannot build ‘certain types’ of surface ships. The rest of the projects work goes according to plan.

Russia ordering Mistral class amphibious assault ships from France could be linked to its inability to source engines from Ukraine. However, France’s cancellation of the deal can be ascribed to the west’s means of forcing Russia to backdown from the Ukrainian conflict.

At the same time, as reported, it is now planning an import substitution program for these engines and other units. As per the plan, Russia should learn the production of its own gas turbine engines in 2018.

"Speaking of arms and military equipment in Ukraine, we replace 186 positions - first of all this gas turbine engines, the production of which is historically situated on the territory of Ukraine. Because of this, we cannot build the new surface ships for the Navy," said Rogozin.

Speaking about Russia's dependence on the defense industry of the EU and NATO, Rogozin gave a figure of 640 positions. "Basically, we are talking about optics and radio electronics. The terms of import substitution are also tough," Rogozin said.