Ukrainian Defense procurement agency failed to buy heavy weapons in USA
Against the background of worsening problems at the front, the Ukrainian army is experiencing more and more problems with weapons. If previously these issues were limited to artillery and air defenses, they are now also affecting small arms. While there is still a sufficient supply of conventional light weapons such as rifles and machine guns (thanks to the Soviet-era stockpiles), the issue is emerging with so-called heavy "group" weapons such as automatic grenade launchers and heavy machine guns.
Mk 19 и M2 Browning
In the summer of 2023, the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ukrainian MoD (DPA) began looking for possible suppliers. They planned to purchase American-made equipment, specifically Mk19 automatic grenade launchers and M2 Browning heavy machine guns.
This choice is not random - American MGs and GLs were provided by the United States even before the full-scale Russian invasion began. After the start of war in 2022, the M2 Browning was often included in supply packages, and the Mk19 grenade launcher was often bundled with other equipment such as armored vehicles.
Now, Mk 19 and M2 Browning are actively used by various units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. For example, the M2 is used by mobile firing teams who specialize in tracking Russian drones on the front lines and in the rear. At the same time, the Ukrainians have developed a special sight for the Mk19, which allows them to fire from closed positions.
Mk 19 grenade launchers and M2 Browning machine guns play a crucial role in defeating infantry and light vehicles of the Russian forces up to a range of 1,500 meters. Therefore, the supply of these essential weapons could not go unnoticed by DPA.
American deal
Since July 2023, the Defense Procurement Agency has started working with the American company S.W.O.R.D. Defense Systems. In October, preliminary agreements were signed and, in November, the Ukrainian embassy in the United States joined the effort to conduct inspections at the S.W.O.R.D. site. Representatives of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission reported that the capabilities of the American manufacturer did not meet expectations. However, management at S.W.O.R.D. said that the facility has been upgraded and Kiev should not be concerned. This satisfied Kiev and in December 2023 a final contract for the supply of 1,350 machine guns was signed.
In January, representatives of the embassy tried to inspect the factory the second time, but did not receive a response from S.W.O.R.D. After that, neither the Ukrainian embassy nor the DPA are even tried to put a little pressure on American arms company. It seems that the main goal in the arms supply issue is not to provide machine guns and grenade launchers for Ukrainian trenches, but rather to launder money and avoid conflicts with Americans.
S.W.O.R.D.&Co
The American side, S.W.O.R.D. Defense Systems, also plays a role in this story. Founded in 2010 by veterans of special operations of the U.S. Armed Forces and manufacturing experts, S.W.O.R.D. manufactures specialized firearms, airborne landing solutions, robotics and accessories primarily for U.S. military and law enforcement organizations. The company holds numerous patents for specialized products.
S.W.O.R.D. Defense Systems looks more like a local small arms manufacturer than a serious international player. There are hundreds of such companies in the United States - they were founded by former military personnel, have a great website, and are trying to create some sort of hype weapon project that will quickly sell out to satisfied American "gun enthusiasts". So, S.W.O.R.D. is trying to promote its robotic project - a robotic dog with a sniper rifle on its back named SPUR.
Companies such as S.W.O.R.D do well in the domestic market, producing high-quality copies of M4 rifles for wealthy American customers. However, when it comes to providing large-scale weapons supplies for a foreign country's Ministry of Defense, things change.
Another question is whether the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine was aware of all of the above. Apparently, Ukrainian buyers were tempted by the low prices that large and renowned arms manufacturers were not able to offer them. For example, the Middle East Eye publication reported that in October 2023, Ukraine ordered hundreds of Canik M2 QCB machine guns (a Turkish copy of the M2 Browning) from the Turkish manufacturer, Canik. Turkey has already supplied Ukraine with more than 600 heavy machine guns. Perhaps the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has even opened an investigation into possible corruption in the procurement of machine guns and grenade launchers.
According to some reports, the agency is considering alternative suppliers for Mk19 and M2 Browning weapons in the United States and elsewhere. The options being considered include contracting with Belgian company FN Herstal and American manufacturer U.S. Ordnance. U.S. Ordnance is a major manufacturer of Mk43/M60E4 and M2 machine guns worldwide, and is a leading contractor for the US Department of Defense.
DPA should take a more cautious approach to signing new contracts in the future. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are experiencing severe and irreversible losses in terms of personnel and equipment as they dig trenches under enemy artillery fire, avoiding FPV drones. Someone at DPA is negligent in their duties or simply filling their pockets from a cozy office in Kiev.