Russian prosecutors scrutinize substitution of NATO and Ukraine originated components.

The Russian Public Prosecution Service will scrutinize the promptitude of the military-industrial complex replacement of components and materials manufactured by NATO countries and Ukraine as part of the import substitution policy, Russian First Deputy Prosecutor General Alexander Buksman said at an extended meeting of the service to summarize the results of the first half of 2019.

Russia is "chasing" the use of  NATO countries originated components to replace them with home-made ones (Picture source: Army Recognition)

"In the framework of ensuring import substitution in the defense industry, it is vital to scrutinize that the set deadlines are met to replace components, raw and [other] materials produced by NATO countries and Ukraine for the production of machinery, arms, military and special equipment, and prevent violations of the ban to procure foreign equipment, analogues of which are produced in Russia, for budget funds," he said.

Russian General Prosecutor Yuri Chaika described the import substitution in the defense sphere as a problem. "Violations of the ban to purchase foreign equipment, analogues of which are produced in Russia, for budget funds are still registered," he told the meeting. Buksman called on controlling agencies not to ignore pricing issues, as the costs of materials for military products are often artificially increased. "Such negative phenomena should be countered by the whole range of available means," he said.

Prosecutors should also investigate hardware overhaul by unlicensed companies, the use of fake spare parts, the engagement of rogue firms and mediators in the defense industry. "Such facts often take place," Buksman said.

This year prosecutors exposed "numerous violations of defense procurement order implementation" during construction, reconstruction and capital overhaul of military infrastructure. "Deadlines were not observed, the delivery time was not agreed with construction completion of the facilities," Buksman said. "Control should be more active," he urged adding prosecutors "rendered positive influence on lawfulness in the defense industry in the past years."

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