Military of Ukraine
OrganizationUkraine's military consists of Armed Forces of Ukraine (Ukrainian: Збройні Сили України, ЗСУ, Zbroyni Syly Ukrainy) and few other independent militarized insititutions. Armed Forces of Ukraine consist of Ground Forces, Navy, and Air Force (which has subsumed Air Defense Force in 2004). Other militarized insititutions include:
These militarized troops officially are not a part of Ukraine's Armed Forces, but supposed to fall under their command in a wartime. The military and security forces are under the command of the Ukrainian President, and subject to oversight by a permanent parliamentary commission. The Ukrainian military's tactics and organization are heavily dependant on Cold War tactics, and former Soviet Union organization. The Ukraine has however been pursuing a policy of independence from Russian dominance, and have taken steps towards closer ties with the West. In 1997, Ukraine and Poland signed an Agreement on the formation of a Joint Peacekeeping Battalion, which became fully operational in 1999 in the Kosovo Conflict. Ukrainian armed forces are largely made up of conscripts serving for various periods of time depending on the nature of service. The total personnel (including civilian workers) numbers at 303,800, although plans for reductions to around 275,000 exist. The branch structure is as follows (2004):
EquipmentThe Ukrainian military is equipped almost exclusively with Cold War equipment of Russian design. MBTs include the standard Soviet T-55, T-72, and T-64 vehicles, and AFVs include MT-LB, BMP-3, BMP-2, BMP-1, and BMD-1 vehicles. Plagued by at times hostile relations with Russia following the breakup of the Soviet Union, the Ukraine has been steadfastly trying to develop its own independent arms industry. The most notable result of this effort is the Ukrainian built T-84 MBT, which is currenlty in service. Equipment statistics for the branches (including equipment in storage) are as follows:
MissionUkraine's stated national policy is Euro-Atlantic integration, including with both NATO and the European Union. Ukraine has a "Distinctive Partnership" with NATO and has been an active participant in Partnership for Peace exercises and in Balkans peacekeeping. This close relationship with NATO has been most apparent with Ukrainian cooperation and combined peacekeeping operations with its neighbor Poland, in places such as Kosovo and Iraq. Recent OperationsThe Ukraine has been playing an increasingly larger role in peacekeeping operations. Since 1997, the Ukraine has been closely working with NATO, and especially Poland. A Ukrainian unit is deplolyed in Iraq, as part of the Multinational force in Iraq under Polish command. A Ukrainian unit is also deployed in Lebanon, as part of the Polish-lead UN Interim Force enforcing the mandated cease-fire agreement. Ukrainian troops are also deployed as part of the Ukrainian-Polish Battalion (UKRPOLBAT) in Kosovo. There is also a maintenance and training batalion deployed in Sierra Leone. Total Ukrainian Military deployement around the world is about 2,800 troops. Current Deployment (2004):
References and Links
` Categories: Militaries | Ukraine |
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