斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Ukrainian-arms-supplies-to-sub

Summary of Ukrainian Arms Supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa

Core Content

Ukraine has historically been a major arms exporter, with significant military equipment and related services supplied to sub-Saharan African countries between 2005 and 2009. The paper outlines the legal and policy framework for Ukrainian arms exports, the types of arms and services transferred, and the implications of such exports, particularly in relation to UN arms embargoes and conflict zones.

Main Points

• Ukraine's Role in Arms Exports:
  Ukraine has consistently ranked among the top 10 arms exporters globally since the 1990s. Between 2005 and 2009, approximately 18% of its arms exports were directed to sub-Saharan Africa, with Kenya, Chad, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being the primary recipients.

• Types of Arms and Services Exported:

  • Surplus Weapons: A significant portion (72%) of Ukraine’s arms exports to sub-Saharan Africa during 2005–2009 consisted of surplus equipment, including aircraft, tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery, small arms and light weapons (SALW), and ammunition.
  • Newly Produced Weapons: Limited demand for newly produced Ukrainian weapons in the region. Examples include BTR-3U infantry fighting vehicles and An-32B transport aircraft.
  • Maintenance and Modernization: Ukrainian companies and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) provide maintenance, overhaul, and modernization services for Soviet-designed military equipment used by several sub-Saharan African countries.
  • Transportation and Brokering: Ukrainian entities facilitate the transport of arms and military equipment to the region, often through commercial and state-linked carriers. Some Ukrainian individuals are also involved in brokering arms deals.
  • Training and Combat Support: Ukrainian citizens serve as technical assistants, trainers, and pilots for African armed forces, and in some cases, participate in combat missions.

• Concerns and Diversion Risks:

  • There are concerns that Ukrainian arms exports, particularly to Kenya, may have been diverted to Southern Sudan, which is under a UN arms embargo.
  • Despite official denials from Ukrainian, Kenyan, and Southern Sudanese authorities, evidence suggests that some arms may have been used in conflict zones.
  • Ukraine’s arms export policy has been criticized for prioritizing economic gains over adherence to international norms and UN embargoes.

• Legal and Policy Framework:

  • The 2003 Ukrainian law "On State Control over International Transfers of Military and Dual-Use Goods" sets the legal basis for arms exports.
  • The law emphasizes national interests, international compliance, and cooperation with other states, but critics argue that it allows for too much flexibility.
  • In 2010, Ukraine established the State Concern Ukroboronprom to consolidate arms export activities, reflecting a shift toward more centralized control.

• Economic Motivations:

  • Ukrainian officials, including Serhiy Bondarchuk, have emphasized the economic benefits of arms exports, viewing them as a legitimate and profitable part of foreign policy.
  • The Ukrainian arms industry has faced challenges due to lack of investment and domestic procurement, leading to reliance on exports to sustain economic activity.

• Transparency Issues:

  • Ukraine does not report the total value of arms exports or provide detailed breakdowns by recipient, making it difficult to assess the full economic impact.
  • The UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have been used to track some exports, but data remains limited and sometimes inconsistent.

Key Information

• Recipient Countries:

  • Kenya, Chad, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and the DRC received the most Ukrainian arms.
  • There is suspicion that some arms delivered to Kenya were destined for Southern Sudan.

• Surplus Arms and Ammunition:

  • Ukraine inherited vast surplus military stockpiles after the Soviet Union collapsed, valued at up to $90–100 billion.
  • These surplus items have been a major source of arms exports to sub-Saharan Africa.

• UN Embargoes and Compliance:

  • Ukraine has been identified as a source of arms that were diverted to UN-embargoed actors in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Despite this, Ukraine has made progress in controlling exports and improving transparency in recent years.

• International Cooperation and Challenges:

  • Ukraine has engaged in cooperative arrangements with South African companies to market its equipment.
  • There are ongoing issues with compliance, including unscrupulous brokers and potential diversion of arms to conflict zones.

Conclusion

The paper highlights the complex relationship between Ukraine’s arms export policies and the security dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa. While Ukraine has made some efforts to regulate and control its arms exports, the economic incentives and lack of transparency continue to raise concerns about the potential misuse of its military equipment in conflict zones and the violation of international arms embargoes. The role of Ukrainian entities in facilitating arms transfers, along with the involvement of intelligence and diplomatic actors, underscores the multifaceted nature of its arms export activities.