SOVIET OPERATION/MAINTENANCE OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY MILITARY EQUIPMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00757R000100020007-2
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 25, 2008
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: March 1, 1982
• Content Type: MEMO

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Approved For Release 2008/08/25: CIA-RDP85T00757R000100020007-2
~;EFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENC~.~
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
1 MAR 1982
C-1363/DT-1
MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER FOR GENERAL PURPOSE
FORCES, CEP~TRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
SUBJECT: Soviet Operation/Maintenance of High Technology Military
Equipment (U)
Reference: MG Atkeson, NIO/GPF, note of 18 February 1982, subject: Soviet
High-tech.
1. (U) In response to your request concerning the availability of intelli-
gence reports on Soviet operations and maintenance of their high technology
weapon systems, we have reviewed our holdings on the subject.
2. (C) Many of the DIA studies on Soviet weapon systems do address the
operation and maintenance of the weapon systems, although, these aspects
are generally not discussed in any great detail in the regular weapon
system studies. There is, however, one DIA product now available that spe-
cifically addresses Soviet maintenance, "Soviet Ground Forces Maintenance"
(DDB-1150-2-81, June 1981, SECRET/NOFORN).
3. (C) There is also a six-volume series, "U.S. and Soviet Weapon System
Design Practices" (DST-1830S-505-80, Volumes 1-6, 1979-1980, CONFIDENTIAL),
that addresses maintenance, reliability .and other aspects related to Soviet
operability and. maintainability of their weapon systems.
4. (U) In addition, there are two relevant DIA studies that are scheduled
for publication and distribution during the April-June 1982 time frame:.
a. (U) "Overview of Soviet Aircraft Reliability and Maintainability"
(DST-1300R-075-82).
b. (U) "Reliability and Maintainability Analysis of Specific Soviet
Aircraft" (A. DST-130OR series report - specific number unassigned at this
date): ~~
5. (C) As was pointed out in the referenced note, the Soviets are moving
to the increasing use. of more advanced technologies in their weapon system
developments, and might be expected, to encounter more operations/maintenance
problems as they do so. There are several .factors, however, that will prob-
ably reduce such problems, just as they have done in the past:
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a. (C) Standardization - There is still a conscious effort .on the part
of the Soviets to use available technology as much as possible, so that we
CONFIOENTIPL
DIA review completed.
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continue to see considerable multiple use of the same components and sub-
systems on a number of different weapon systems.. This should help to ease
the Soviets' maintenance, logistics and training problems.
b. (C) Maintenance Philosophy - The Soviets still design their systems
fora rather short, but relatively low maintenance period with routinely
scheduled factory or .depot maintenance, as opposed to emphasis on repairs
at the lowest organizational level possible. This limits their need for
.skilled manpower, although overall, it is a more labor intensive approach.
It also reduces the Soviets' need for supply support.
6. (U) The referenced studies do elaborate on the above noted aspects, as
,well as other factors related to the reliability, operability and maintain-
~~ability of Soviet weapon systems. Hopefully, they will be useful in pro-
viding information on Soviet practices and problems in this area. If DIA
.can be of further assistance, please feel .free to call on us.
FOR THE DIRECTOR:
~-C~ (/G~~c ~
JACK VORONA
Assistant Vice Director for
Scientific and Technical
Intelligence
CONFIOENTIPL
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~;.~?~.._~?-~:- ?-;-.-.~; Approved For Release 2008/08/25: CIA-RDP85T00757R000100020007-2