Russian General Sergei Shoigu claimed that the war in Ukraine has disproven the belief that NATO weapons and military standards are superior.

Russian General Sergei Shoigu claimed that the war in Ukraine has disproven the belief that NATO weapons and military standards are superior.

Russian Defense Minister Claims Victory over Western Military Standards

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu boldly proclaimed on Tuesday that the Russian army has shattered the illusion of Western military superiority. Addressing a security conference alongside Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, Shoigu declared, “The Russian army debunked many myths about the superiority of Western military standards” ¹. While his claims lack detailed evidence, his boasting suggests that even Russia’s Soviet-era weapons outshine their Western counterparts in combat qualities ².

Shoigu went on to highlight Russia’s ability to obtain data on the destruction of advanced NATO weapons systems, including German tanks, US armored vehicles, and British long-range missiles ³. However, he conveniently failed to mention the heavy losses suffered by Russia in Ukraine. In contrast, Ukraine lost approximately 20% of its US-provided equipment during its summer counteroffensive ⁴. Reports showed that nearly a third of the Bradley armored vehicles sent by the US were damaged or destroyed ⁵.

Despite Russia’s claims of destroying German-supplied Leopard tanks, the evidence has been dubious at best. In one instance, a video supposedly showing the destruction of a Leopard tank actually depicted an attack helicopter targeting farm equipment ⁶. While there may be more credible instances, Russia has also been experiencing losses of its own, including dozens of Ka-52 Alligator gunships and a significant portion of its tank fleet ⁷. To compensate for these losses, the Kremlin is reactivating its vast supply of Soviet-era tanks ⁸.

Although Russia may have managed to capture some NATO equipment, it is important to note that its losses in Ukraine have significantly impacted its combat effectiveness. A UK Defense official and military advisor estimated that Russia has lost about half of its combat effectiveness since the war began ⁹. On the other hand, Ukraine has also suffered losses but continues to receive support from its Western allies in terms of equipment and vehicles ¹⁰.

While Shoigu’s claims may be disputed, they highlight the ongoing struggle between Russia and the West in terms of military technology and capabilities. It is a reminder that the modern battlefield is ever-evolving, with each side attempting to gain an advantage. Ultimately, the outcome of any conflict will depend on numerous factors, including strategic planning, training, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

• China-US yield gap widens to highest level since 2007 after rate cut
• Intel cancels $5.4 billion Tower deal due to China review delay ...
• Yen near intervention zone; Kiwi, Aussie dollars impacted by China ...

In conclusion, Shoigu’s confident assertions regarding Russia’s military achievements serve as a reminder that the notion of Western military superiority should not be taken for granted. While specific evidence to support his claims is lacking, his remarks shed light on the ongoing competition and challenges faced by both sides. As technology continues to play a crucial role in warfare, it is vital for all nations to continuously adapt and enhance their capabilities to effectively navigate the complexities of modern warfare.

• Russia
• Ukraine
• Ukraine War