Vladimir Putin inadvertently confirmed to the world that the Russian Army is “outdated” as he effectively legalised espionage in his latest desperate and shameless measure.
The Russian president this week signed a new degree that authorises Russia’s chief designers to use foreign intellectual property without the holder’s permission.
The act allows the designers to integrate foreign technology, equipment and software to develop new weapons without having to follow licensing protocols.
Expert Denis Grekov argued the move is a de facto acknowledgement that Russia is relying on outdated technology that requires foreign input for updates and upgrades.
The political scientist told The Media Line: “It is a very candid statement that demonstrates Russia’s extremely backward position in technology.
“This is evident anyway. Russia has some rather interesting weapon samples, which, nevertheless, still can hardly compete.”
Mr Grekov added: “The war with Ukraine, which Putin started, shows this very well. The Russian Army cannot boast serious successes.
“The only relatively decent thing they have is missile weapons and electronic warfare complexes. But, apparently, they cannot properly produce them without Western companies.”
He also noted Russia never became technologically independent after the fall of the USSR and the swathe of sanctions triggered by the invasion of Ukraine have only further hindered Moscow’s attempts to develop a modern military sector.
He said: “Russia is going to steal technologies from Western countries – the USA and some European countries.
“For Russia, it is now crucial to achieve technological advancements in various fields: aviation, electronic warfare systems, various electronics, as well as missiles and ammunition.
“Essentially, everything where Western models have some advantage, which is more or less almost everywhere. I think the current priorities are fifth-generation fighters or stealth bombers, such as the F-35 and F-22.”
Military expert David Sharp noted the move falls in line with Putin’s attempts to continue his ongoing invasion of Ukraine despite the significant losses Russia suffered.
Mr Sharp said: “Putin has openly stated that all efforts must be directed toward ensuring the military operation, as he put it, is successful.
“If this requires acting demonstratively so that no one thinks about any patents, then why not?”
