(UKRAINE/INTERNATIONAL) – The Russian defence industry has struggled in recent years, with equipment performance repeatedly falling short in conflict zones, according to Lieutenant General Ben Hodges. Speaking on recent military developments, Hodges highlighted systemic weaknesses in Russian technology, training, and maintenance, describing the industry as “not performing very well” whether in Syria, Armenia, Iran, or Ukraine.
Hodges emphasised that being a global military power requires allowing capabilities to demonstrate themselves without public mockery. He noted that recent US military operations, including a raid to remove Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela, have exposed weaknesses in Russian and Chinese air defence systems. Despite these setbacks, Hodges warned against overestimating these failures, stressing that maintenance and operator training are as crucial as the equipment itself.
He pointed out that many nations purchasing Russian military hardware may not receive comprehensive support packages, including training and maintenance. A notable example is Turkey’s S-400 missile systems, which remain largely unoperational due to logistical and operational challenges. Hodges contrasted this with Western approaches, where high-cost systems come with integrated support to ensure operational readiness.
The General also discussed the challenges of providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, noting that proper deployment requires significant guidance, targeting, and maintenance support. Despite these concerns, he praised Ukraine’s capacity to rapidly integrate and adapt new technologies. He attributed this to Ukraine’s historical role as the centre of the Soviet Union’s defence industry, providing a foundation of technical expertise still evident today.
Hodges acknowledged that other Western systems, such as Germany’s Taurus missile, may face reliability and supply limitations, which influence decisions on whether to transfer them to Ukraine. He also noted that coalition politics in Europe, particularly within Germany, play a role in military support decisions, highlighting the fragility of some government coalitions and the influence of domestic opposition.
On international cooperation, Hodges welcomed the recent UK-French agreement to deploy troops following a potential peace deal in Ukraine. He emphasised that for such deployments to be credible, forces must have clear missions, robust capabilities, and rules of engagement to respond immediately to potential Russian violations. He stressed that without these elements, such deployments risk being symbolic rather than operationally effective.
Hodges criticised European caution and called for more decisive use of collective European and allied military, industrial, and technological strength, alongside continued US support, to strengthen Ukraine’s position and deter further Russian aggression.
