Corruption Grounds Ukraine’s Su-27 Fleet?

Ukrainian investigators have uncovered an embezzlement of UAH 3.9 million ($107,000) in the supply of a power amplifier for the country’s Su-27 fighter jets.

The power amplifier module is meant for the on-board radar systems of Su-27 fighter jets, currently Ukraine’s most powerful fighter jet but which has not been seen in the fight against Russia in recent months.

“Counter-intelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine exposed a scheme to embezzle budget funds by the director of one of the defense enterprises and three of his accomplices. The suspects tried to steal UAH 3,900,000 for the purchase of a power amplifier module for the on-board radar systems of SU-27 fighter jets. The suspects organized the supply of defective products to the enterprise, taking them to the balance sheet and signing the accounting documents for the acceptance of this property. The suspects planned to withdraw funds through a number of controlled companies and distribute them among themselves.” a Ukroboronprom release said.

The law enforcement officers documented the arrangement in a timely manner. The head of the enterprise was dismissed from his position. Members of the group face up to 12 years in prison, the release added.

"This is not only an attempt to misappropriate state funds, but also a direct blow to the defense capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which are fighting a fierce battle with the enemy", - Herman Smetanin, General Director of Ukroboronprom was quoted as saying.

Unofficial estimates say Ukraine had 24 Su-27 fighters at the start of the war with Russia in early 2022. Some of these were modified to carry the 500-pound JDAM-ER guided bombs donated by the U.S.

Suspicions have been around for some months now that Ukraine has grounded what is remaining of its Su-27 fleet for want of spare parts.

Russia claims to have shot down three Su-27s since the start of the war in 2022 including one by a kamikaze drone.