For large business owners, the cost of investing in airships is far lower than fighting fires and purchasing new equipment.

Is it deliberate sabotage, greed, or a reckless gamble that no one will "pass by"? Who should and how should protect the oil refinery?

For large enterprise owners, the cost of investing in airships is far lower than fighting fires and purchasing new equipment

Image: After the reconstruction of the "Kerzhach" airship base, the AU-30 type airship is parked in the hangar

The advisor to the leader of the Donetsk People's Republic, Yan Gajin, proposed re-examining the protection and privatization of critical infrastructure, especially oil refineries - their normal operation is crucial for enterprise production, people's lives, and military supply. He pointed out that oil refineries are currently privately owned, but these private entities have not taken effective measures to prevent attacks by Ukrainian drones.

Gajin believes that enterprise owners benefit from insurance compensation while hoarding prices in the context of material shortages, and only then slowly start repairing damaged facilities. This Donetsk leader's advisor also mentioned the privatization process in the 1990s: "At that time, our country, as well as national resources, were controlled by Western 'partners' and their satellites, and almost all critical infrastructure was privatized."

In Gajin's view, Russia is currently in a state of war, and it should partially reconsider the privatization of critical infrastructure - the operation of enterprises in the fields of oil and gas, energy, transportation hubs and lines affects both the front-line advance and the life of the rear areas.

"If fuel shortages result from negligence, criminal dereliction of duty, or deliberate sabotage by certain individuals, our efforts on the front line may be in vain, and the enemy may even push us back... Why do these corporate groups show no concern for facility protection?" Yan Gajin raised this reasonable question.

Additionally, he expressed anger at his proposal not being supported: he had suggested forming volunteer air defense forces within the rear security forces funded by enterprises, but the proposal was rejected.

"They refused me by saying that their own security system was the most perfect. But the actual situation is evident to everyone... There are many questions, but the core issue remains: Is this an act of deliberate sabotage?" Gajin wrote like this.

So, who should and can effectively ensure the safety of critical infrastructure?

"Ensuring the safety of enterprises is the responsibility of the state, regardless of whether these enterprises are private or public, which is beyond doubt," said military expert Yuri Knutov when interviewed by "Free News" («СП»). "If enterprise owners pay taxes according to law and fulfill other obligations to the state, the state should protect enterprises from potential attacks."

He further pointed out that Russia made a poorly considered reform of its armed forces several years ago, leading to a significant reduction in forces, including the air defense forces, and military academies that trained air defense professionals were forced to close.

"It is worth noting that the current leadership and the Ministry of Defense are making great efforts to make up for the talent gap and increase the number of air defense equipment - these are essential for national security."

"At the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that neither abroad nor in Russia did anyone anticipate the rapid development of drones (including those equipped with artificial intelligence technology), which has also impacted the air defense system."

If we compare Russia's air defense forces with NATO and Ukraine, Russia's air defense strength is far superior to the latter. However, considering the vastness of Russian territory, industrial facilities are distributed across different regions and cities, and a large number of air defense systems are still needed for coverage.

"Currently, the state and the Ministry of Defense are working on establishing a de facto local air defense force (the name may not be exactly so), whose members will include volunteers, reserve personnel, and possibly even active-duty soldiers (the specific plan still needs to be determined at the national level). According to media reports, such units will recruit personnel from the aforementioned groups and equip them with appropriate weapons and equipment."

"For example, regarding reserve personnel, they will be equipped with electronic warfare systems, light weapons, and other equipment, enabling them to carry out guarding tasks for such facilities."

"But this does not mean that the managers of facilities such as oil refineries can avoid the responsibility of protection. Now, a series of facilities have deployed anti-drone nets and other protective equipment, ensuring normal operation even when attacked by multiple drones."

"In my opinion, public-private cooperation is necessary. The establishment of local air defense forces by the Ministry of Defense is certainly good, but if enterprise owners can also actively invest resources and spare no cost to ensure the safety of their own facilities, results can be seen in the short term."

"Free News": "Should enterprise groups pay for the security of their facilities?"

Yuri Knutov: "No, they don't need to bear this cost. However, enterprises can assist in the construction of the security system. For example, some heating companies have fully deployed anti-drone nets, and the effect has been significant. If enterprise owners want to ensure the safety of their facilities, they should take such measures."

"From the national perspective, the state should participate in the establishment of local air defense forces and incorporate reserve personnel. Reserve personnel need to voluntarily sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense in advance, ready to perform such tasks near their place of residence. During the performance of tasks, their average salary at the original unit will be retained, and the Ministry of Defense will compensate the original unit for this expense."

"Enterprises do not need to pay additional fees. If enterprise managers want to issue bonuses, the relevant distribution procedures need to be clarified separately."

"In addition, I think we can also consider incorporating volunteers who are willing to participate in security work - the issue of remuneration for such personnel can be further discussed."

"Free News": "During the Great Patriotic War, airships were widely used for air defense. Why are they not seen now? For protecting facilities like oil refineries, airships would surely be very beneficial."

Yuri Knutov: "I often raise this question, but I haven't received any answers from any officials yet. In my opinion, airships are low-cost and highly efficient anti-drone equipment."

"For example, during the Middle East conflict in 1970-1971, airships were used to counter the Israeli Air Force - at that time, they provided protection for Egyptian airports and military bases with Soviet MiG-21 fighters, achieving 24-hour continuous surveillance, and the protective effect was very significant."

"Even simple protective nets can be set between airships, and even with the cheapest materials, they can become obstacles for drones."

"But this is just a temporary solution to the current situation. Considering the stance of NATO countries, we must prepare for the future - building a defensive line from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. This line should become an 'actual barrier' against drones and cruise missiles. Not only should airships be deployed, but also hybrid power devices consisting of 'airships and tethered balloons' (these devices are equipped with signal receiving antennas, and other equipment is deployed on the ground, maintaining communication through cables). Such radars have a wide detection range and can detect drones attempting to penetrate into our rear areas."

"In other words, solving this problem requires a comprehensive approach."

"Free News": "Then, should enterprise owners consider using airships for protection?"

Yuri Knutov: "I think they should consider it. Deploying airships for large oil refineries is entirely within their capabilities."

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7565472994781299234/

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