Ukraine has once again exposed Russia’s vulnerabilities in rebuilding its military-industrial supply chain, revealing weak links that hinder upgrades in Russian military capabilities, particularly in the ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian sources, Russia is procuring the Czech aviation auxiliary power units (APUs) through India and Kazakhstan. These APUs may be installed on Russian Mi-8 helicopters to support their military operations in Ukraine. After Ukraine protested, the Czech Republic has initiated an investigation into the matter.
This incident highlights Russia’s challenges in rebuilding and restoring its military-industrial supply chain, revealing weaknesses that constrain the upgrade of its military capabilities and impede its actions in Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian claims, Russia installed Czech PBS company’s auxiliary power systems on its Mi-8 military helicopters. PBS, established in 1950, is a veteran in aviation auxiliary power systems. Its Safir 5K/G MI auxiliary power system is primarily used in the Mi-8 series helicopters, providing power and compressed air for onboard equipment and starting two turboshaft engines.
For a considerable period, PBS was the main provider of auxiliary power systems for the Mi-8 series helicopters. However, after the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, PBS closed its Moscow office and ceased operations in Russia. Nevertheless, Ukraine discovered that Russia continues to introduce Safir 5K/G MI auxiliary power systems through related enterprises in India and Kazakhstan.
Due to its vast inherited industrial system from the Soviet Union, including aviation, Russia faces significant challenges in rebuilding the entire system. The breakup of the Soviet Union hindered Russia’s development, with limited investment and the struggle to preserve existing components. Consequently, Russia prioritizes crucial aspects.
Taking the example of the Mi-8/17 helicopters, their engines and auxiliary power systems are produced outside Russia. The TV3-117 turboshaft engine is manufactured by Ukraine’s Motor Sich, while the auxiliary power system comes from Czech PBS. As the Mi-8 series is a mainstay for both the Russian military and civilian sectors, any disruption in engine supply would have a substantial impact. Therefore, with limited resources, Russia prioritizes domestic production of engines, paying less attention to auxiliary power systems. Even after the 2014 conflict with Ukraine, Russia continued to import products from Czech PBS.
With this exposure by Ukraine, Russia’s prospects of acquiring APU from the Czech Republic are now challenging, either through more complex and costly processes or by scavenging from third-party countries. Whether replacing APU models or developing related products, these are not realistic short-term options.
China has made rapid progress in helicopter power systems, with its Z-20 system being at the forefront, surpassing Russia’s offerings. Not only could China supply APU for the Mi-8 series, but exporting a complete power system to Russia is also a feasible option.
Due to economic challenges, Russia underinvests in high-tech sectors, limiting its development in advanced and emerging technologies. This deficiency is evident in carbon fiber, where the Soviet Union was comparatively weak. Russia, constrained by economic limitations and a small domestic market, faces Western monopoly in international markets, particularly in carbon fiber.
Similarly, the UAE’s Palomar and ALL companies aim to develop composite rotors and tail rotors for the Mi-17 series helicopters, with hopes of entering the Russian market. This desire is not surprising, given Russia’s lag in composite materials, relying on imports for an extended period. Following the Ukraine crisis, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia, and Japan embargoed carbon fiber materials, leaving Russia’s MS-21 aircraft project in a standstill. China, with a rapidly developing carbon fiber industry since the 1990s, has the capability to mass-produce T1000-level carbon fiber. Russia’s decision to import high-performance carbon fiber from China alleviates immediate concerns, with the expectation that the MS-21 aircraft will rely on Chinese exports for an extended period.
Russia’s pursuit of comprehensive domestication in aviation, triggered by Western sanctions, highlights its prior international collaboration as merely cooperation with the West. In aviation, China has consistently opened its doors to collaboration with Russia, be it in helicopter power systems or composite materials. Russia’s choice to import from China is unproblematic, as China is less susceptible to Western influence and is not easily subject to supply disruptions. (Wang Yanan)
