SOVIET MILITARY EQUIPMENT SHIPMENTS FROM NIKOLAYEV PORT FACILITIES SOUTH TO THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES, OCTOBER-DECEMBER 1983

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• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
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• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 12
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 13, 2010
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: March 1, 1984
• Content Type: REPORT

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Secret
Secret
IA 84-10026
March 1984
COPY 30
Directorate of
Intelligence
Soviet Military Equipment
Shipments From Nikolayev
Port Facilities South to
Third World Countries,
October-December 1983 (s)
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ORCON (OC)
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Intelligence 25X1
Directorate of
Soviet Military Equipment
Shipments From Nikolayev
Port Facilities South to
Third World Countries,
October-December 1983 (s)
Secret
IA 84-10026
March 1984
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Summary
Information available as
of 20 January 1984 eras
used in this report. t UI
Soviet Military Equipment Shipments from
Nikolayev Port Facilities South to Third World
Countries, October-December 1983 (S)
During the fourth quarter of 1983, we believe that the Soviets shipped
approximately 117,000 metric tons of cargo from their Black Sea mili-
tary equipment export port, Nikolayev Port Facilities South. This cargo
included over 1,500 weapons and other pieces of military-related equip-
ment. Statistical analysis of the frequency of imagery coverage of Niko-
layev South and the length of time typically taken in storage and ship-
ment of equipment indicates that we see 50 to 80 percent of all major
items exported. We observed 47 ships loading cargo at Nikolayev South
and estimate that 11 additional ships loaded cargo there during this
period.
Significant fourth quarter 1983 developments at Nikolayev Port Facili-
ties South included:
? Continued high number of shipments to Cuba. Among the major
items of equipment shipped to Cuba during the fourth quarter were
at least 108 tanks and three MIG-23 aircraft. In 1983, the Soviets
shipped at least 180 tanks to Cuba, enabling the Cubans to modern-
ize and expand their armored forces.
? An increase in arms deliveries to Angola. During the fourth quarter,
the Soviets made seven arms shipments to Angola, compared to I I
deliveries made in the first three quarters. Among the major items
shipped were two MIG-23 trainer aircraft (the first delivery of this
aircraft to Angola), T-54/55 tanks, BMP and BTR-60 light armored
vehicles, and SA-3 and SA-9 surface-to-air missile equipment.
? More Square Pair radars to Syria. In October, the Soviets probably
shipped two additional Square Pair radar sets to Syria. This was the
first shipment of SA-5 surface-to-air missile system-associated equip-
ment to Syria since the initial shipments of SA-5 equipment in early
1983. There is no indication the Syrians are building a third SA-5
site. The radars will probably be used as reserve equipment for the
two existing sites.
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Secret
IA 84-10026
March 1984
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S rdt
Introduction
1
Discussion
1
Recipient Countries
1
Angola
3
Syria
3
Expansion of Port Facilities
3
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Soviet Military Equipment Shipments from
Nikolayev Port Facilities South to Third World
Countries, October-December 1983 (S)
Almost all of the weapons and weapon support sys-
tems, with the exception of naval craft, that the So-
viets transfer to Third World countries are shipped
from the Black Sea port of Nikolayev Port Facili-
ties South. This port is dedicated solely to the ex-
port of military goods. The amounts and types of
equipment shipped from Nikolayev South and re-
ceived by Third World countries reflect the dimen-
sions, character, and pattern of Soviet military sales
to these countries. This report is the fourth in a
series that details Soviet military equipment exports
from Nikolayev Port Facilities South.' (S
During the fourth quarter of 1983, we estimate that
the Soviets loaded 58 ships at Nikolayev South. We
observed 47 ships loading at the port. Analysis=
indicates that 1 1 other
ships probably loaded there also. These 58 ships
carried an estimated 117,000 metric tons of weap-
ons and related equipment, and they made at least
78 deliveries to 20 recipient countries. During 1983,
215 ships carried an estimated 460,000 metric tons
of military cargo from Nikolayev South, making
314 deliveries to 29 recipient countries.' (S =
Among the more than 1,500 items of equipment we
observed being exported in the fourth quarter were
172 tanks, 485 armored personnel carriers, 225
pieces of artillery, 99 crated aircraft, 207 missile
IFor detailed information on specific shipments from Nikolayev Port Fa-
cilities South during the first nine months of 1983, see IAM 83-10105,
Soviet Military Equipment Lcports from Nikolayev Port Facilities South.
January-June 1983, September 1983; and IAR 84-10010, Soviet Military
Equipment .Shipments from Nikolayev Port Facilities South, July-September
/993, January 1984. (S =
z Metric tonnage estimates are derived from reported cargo weight and
are intended only to provide an indication of the volume of military cargo
shipped to recipient countries. For a detailed explanation of how these
numbers are derived, see table 2, footnote a. Further information on ship-
ments from Nikolayev Port Facilities South in 1983 will be published in
an upcoming RP, Soviet Milit r' ment Shipments from Nikolayev
Port facilities South, 1983. (S
canisters and crates, 65 missile and rocket launch-
ers, 130 articles of missile system support equip-
ment, I I items of electronics equipment, 88 pieces
of engineering equipment, and 41 pieces of miscel-
laneous equipment (table 1). (S
Recipient Countries
Of the 20 countries that received military cargo
from Nikolayev South during the fourth quarter of
1983, Syria received the greatest amount of metric
tons-approximately 21,400. Vietnam received the
second greatest amount-approximately 19,500
metric tons. Iraq, Cuba, and Angola were other
major recipients (figure 1). Table 2 lists the number
of deliveries, estimated tonnage received, and the
known minimum amount of equipment delivered to
the recipient countries. (~
Figure 1
Percentages of Total Metric Tonnage Exported from
Nikolayev Port Facilities South, October-December 1983
Vietnam
16.7%
Angola
10.4%
Ethiopia
8.2%
Libya
4.5%
India
3.8%
Algeria
3.3%
Others: Bangladesh, Cape Verde, Congo, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Jordan, Madagascar, and VAR
Note: This graphic represents the distribution of the total metric tonnage
of weapons and related equipment shipped horn Nikolayev Port Facilities
South to Third World countries, October to December 1983.
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Table 1
Major Equipment Exported From Nikolayev Port Facilities South,
October-December 1983 a
Tanks
SA-3 launcher
9
T-72
0
SA-6 TEL
20
T-62
60
SA-9 TEL
8
T-54/55
79
SCUD TEL
10
PT-76
33
Subtotal
65
Subtotal
172
Missile System Support Equipment
Armored Personnel Carriers
SA-2 missile transporter
25
BMP
126
SA-3 resupply vehicle
71
BRDM-2
197
SA-6 servicer/transloader
15
BTR-60
118
SA-6 canister transporter
9
BTR-152
26
SA-8 resupply vehicle
1
BMD
18
SCUD resupply
9
Subtotal
485
Subtotal
130
Artillery
Electronic Equipment
122-mm howitzer D-30
90
Square Pair
2 sets
130-mm field gun M-46
18
SV-EL-O1
1
23-mm SP AA ZSU-23-4
28
Back Trap
2 sets
23-mm AA gun ZU-23
53
CSS-3 coastal defense
1
37-mm AA gun 1939
36
Long Track radar
2
Subtotal
225
Flat Face B radar
3
Aircraft Containers
Subtotal
11
MIG-17 Fresco
2
Engineering Equipment
UMIG-21 Mongol
1
TMM treadway bridge
12
MIG-21 Fishbed
30
PMP vehicles
22
MIG-23 Flogger
30
GSP heavy ferry
30
SU-17/22 Fitter
14
PMR-3 minelayer
22
MI-14 Haze
7
MTU assault bridge
2
MI-24/5 Hind
11
Subtotal
88
Unidentified aircraft container
4
Miscellaneous
Subtotal
99
Missile Canisters and Crates b
DR-3 RPV launcher
3
DR-3 resupply
7
SA-2
67
DR-3 RPV container
16
SA-3
110
PTS tracked amphibious vehicle
7
SSN-2 Styx
30
ARS-14 decontamination unit
8
Subtotal
207
Subtotal
41
Missile and Rockets Launchers
SA-2 launcher
a Based on statistical analysis techniques, it is likely that during the
fourth quarter we saw at least 50 to 80 percent of all equipment shipped
least seven days. Some equipment, however, did arrive at the port and
was loaded between coverages.
b We accounted for 48 SS-21 missile canisters that departed Nikolayev
South in early October in our July-September paper (footnote I, p. 4)
because they were directly related to a shipment of SS-21 launchers that
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Arms shipments to three of these countries-Cuba,
Angola, and Syria-were significant in terms of ei-
ther type or quantity of arms delivered. (s
reserve equipment. The shipment of the Square Pair
radars was the first known shipment of SA-5-asso-
ciated equipment to Syria since the initial deliveries
of SA-5 equipment in January and February of
Chiba. During the fourth quarter of 1983, the Sovi-
ets made five arms shipments to Cuba; three of the
deliveries included tanks (figure 2). We estimate
that at least 108 tanks-35 T-62s and 73 T-
54/55s-were delivered to the Cuban port of Ma-
riel. In 1983, at least 180 Soviet tanks were trans-
ferred to the Cubans, enabling them to replace the
remaining T-34 tanks in their regular army inven-
tory, and to activate at least one new tank regi-
ment. Cuba also received at least three MIG-23 air-
craft, as well as eight Vosdukh I-P operations vans,
which are components of an advanced air defense
command and control system. (s
Angola. During the fourth quarter of 1983, the So-
viets increased the pace of their arms deliveries to
Angola. In November alone, four shipments left
Nikolayev South for Angola, compared to the 1983
average of one shipment per month. Among the
items of equipment delivered to Angola during the
fourth quarter were two MIG-23 trainer aircraft
(the first delivery of this aircraft to Angola), T-
54/55 tanks, SA-9 launchers, SA-3 launchers and
missiles, Styx missiles, and over 60 BMP and BTR-
60 light armored vehicles. The increase of Soviet
arms shipments to Angola probably represents an
effort by the Soviets to improve the capabilities of
the Angolans and Cuban support troops against the
threat presented by both the South Africans and
the UNITA insurgents. (s
Syria. Syria continued to be one of the primary re-
cipients of Soviet arms during the fourth quarter.
In early October, the Soviets shipped at least 48 SS-
21 missile canisters from Nikolayev South to Syria.
This followed the shipment of 18 SS-21 transporter-
erector-launcher/resupply vehicles in late Septem-
ber. Also in October, the Soviets probably delivered
two additional Square Pair engagement radar sets
to Syria. These radars have not been identified at
the Homs and Dumayr SA-5 complexes. There is
no indication of construction for a third Syrian SA-
5 site, so these radars will probably be used as
1983. (s
Expansion of Port Facilities
Construction work on the port expansion at Niko-
layev South continued during the fourth quarter,
but work proceeded at a slower pace than was
noted in the first three quarters of 1983. Dredging
and filling operations continued the construction of
a peninsular breakwater, but operations to extend
the north mole suffered a setback in December
when a newly filled area was eroded away by the
river. Construction of cargo handling facilities, such
as railroad spurs and transit sheds, has not yet be-
gun. (S
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Table 2
Number of Shipments, Estimated Metric Tonnage Received, and Known
Major Items of Equipment Exported From Nikolayev Port Facilities South
and Received by Third World Countries, October-December 1983
Country Number of Estimated Minimum Amounts of
Deliveries Metric Tonnage Major Items of
Received a Equipment Received
Total 78 116,950
Syria 15 21,400 13 BRDM-2
2 MIG-21
48 SS-21 missile
canisters
67 SA-2 missile
canisters
5 SA-2/3 canister
transporters
2 Square Pair radars
1 SV-EL-0l
15 Fire Can radars
23 Vosdukh 1-P
operations vans
16 Probable R-405
radio vans
10 Turn Series DF vans
3 DR-3 launchers
7 DR-3 resupply
vehicles
17 DR-3 RPV containers
15 MTU assault bridges
10 Auxiliary power units
Vietnam c 7 19,500 33 PT-76
II MIG-21
10 GSP heavy ferries
5 BMK power boats
2 Possible high speed
patrol craft
Iraq 11 17,000 78 BMP
30 Unidentified armored
vehicles
4 152-mm gun
howitzer D-20
17 SU-17/22
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Cuba d 5 13,200 35 T-62
73 T-54/55
9 130-mm FG M-46
3 MIG-23
12 BM-21
6 SA-2 transporters
8 Vosdukh I-P
operations vans
4 BATM bulldozers
Angola
7
12,200
22 T-54/55
8 BMP
57 BTR-60
18 37-mm gun M-1939
7 Unidentified artillery
2 MIG-23
175 SA-3 missile
canisters
30 SSN-2 Styx containers
15 SA-3 launchers
8 SA-9 TEL
12 TMM treadway
bridges
Ethiopia
6
9,600
19 MIG-23
2 MI-14 helicopters
Libya d
4
5,300
India
4
4,500
70 BMP
26 BRDM-2
16 23-mm SP AA
ZSU-23-4
6 130-mm FG M-46
3 MIG-23
4 MIG-21
Algeria 3 3,900
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Table 2
Number of Shipments, Estimated Metric Tonnage Received, and Known
Major Items of Equipment Exported From Nikolayev Port Facilities South
and Received by Third World Countries, October-December 1983 (continued)
PDRY 4 2,900
(South Yemen)
Mozambique 2 2,300
Kampuchea e 2 2,000
Bangladesh 1 1,000
YAR 1 900
(North Yemen)
Cape Verde 1
Madagascar 1
a Metric tonnage estimates are derived from reported cargo weight. When
no information on cargo weight is available, an average cargo weight is
assigned. Tonnage values are distributed among recipient countries by to-
taling the weight of known equipment delivered, by drawing upon special
intelligence or human source reporting, or by dividing evenly the ship's
cargo weight among the number of offloading countries. The resulting
estimates, which are rounded off, are intended only to provide an indica-
tion of the volume of military cargo shipped to the recipient countries.
b Abbreviations for sources: 1=Imagery, H = Human Source, Sl=Special
Intelligence.
C Figures for equipment received by Vietnam do not include equipment
offloaded at the Kampuchean port of Kompong Som.
9 130-mm FG M-46
20 SA-6 TEL
15 SA-6 servicer/trans-
loaders
13 SA-6 canister
transporters
4 Straight Flush radars
2 Bar Lock radars
I Thin Path radio van
l R-405 radio van
2 ATS-59G artillery
tractors
Ammunition and
military equipment
d In November, the Soviet ship Akademik Kuprevich stopped in Tobruk,
Libya, for one day while enroute to Cuba to deliver at least 35 T-62
tanks, 12 T-54/55 tanks, and 8 Vosdukh I-P operations vans. Since the
known weight of the cargo eventually delivered to Cuba was greater than
the ship's own declared tonnage, the known weight has been used to com-
pute the total tonnage delivered to Cuba in the fourth quarter, 1983. No
equipment was known to have been delivered to Libya on that voyage,
thus, no cargo weight was assigned for that ship to Libya's total,
e The hulk of Soviet military equipment delivered to the Kampuchean
port of Kompong Som is assigned to the Peoples Army of Vietnam forces
in Kampuchea. Because of a 1981 military agreement between the Soviet
Union and Kampuchea, some equipment, possibly helicopters and air-
craft-related items, almost certainly goes to the Peoples Republic of Kam-
puchea armed forces.
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