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Legal assistant in the practice of military disputes, dismissal from military service, reservation employees for the period of mobilization, appealing the conclusion of the military medical commission, legal support for clients in the military commissariat
Codification of weapons
The topic of codifying weapons and military equipment is relatively new and has not been thoroughly studied. However, there are numerous legal regulations governing this issue. We invite you to review them in more detail.
Current regulatory framework
Thus, among the main by-laws governing the issue of weapons codification are:
- Ministry of Defense Order “Procedure for the Codification of Supply Items” (Order of the Ministry of Defense № 673 of December 18, 2017). This Order not only describes the specifics of the item codification procedure but also details deadlines, terminology, and roles.
- Cabinet of Ministers Resolution “Procedure for Testing Samples of Weapons and Military Equipment” (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers № 159 of February 17, 2021). This document regulates sample testing, which is the stage based on the results of which a decision regarding approval/codification must be made.
- Cabinet of Ministers Resolution № 345 (Procedure for the Supply of Defense Goods). It is also appropriate to mention a number of changes/subordinate instructions here. They define the logic by which supplies are supplied, as well as approval during a state of emergency. In short, the recent changes have simplified the procedures.
- Order of the Ministry of Defense regarding the register of technical (design) documentation (Order of the Ministry of Defense № 560 of November 6, 2018). This order defines the procedure for maintaining design registers.
- Procedure for the procurement of domestically produced unmanned aerial systems, tactical-level electronic warfare systems, and their components, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution № 1275 of November 11, 2022 (as amended);
- Procedure for the implementation of the pilot project for the production, procurement, and supply of ammunition, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution № 763 of July 21, 2023 (as amended).
Responsible units of the Ministry of Defense
Among the units of the Ministry of Defense that are responsible for the codification of weapons are:
- The Main Directorate for Life Cycle Support of Weapons and Military Equipment is the operational center for codification and registration.
- Central institutes (the Central Research Institute of Weapons and Military Equipment, testing units) and military representatives perform technical assessments and quality control.
Now we should take a closer look at how the codification of weapons occurs and what stages it involves.
Procedure for codification of weapons
Thus, all necessary actions in the legal plane involve the following sequence:
Preparatory stage
First, the item is identified (whether it’s a sample, a modification, or a component). At this stage, an internal package is prepared, which includes:
- technical description;
- performance characteristics;
- passports/certificates;
- available design documents;
- equipment diagram;
- operational documentation;
- safety/qualification materials.
If possible, preliminary internal bench/field tests should be conducted. These can be carried out either at the facility or at accredited testing sites. This is necessary to ensure the basic suitability of the weapon. This reduces the risk of rejection even during the official testing phase.
Preliminary consultation with the Ministry of Defense
This step is recommended. To complete it, please contact the “Manufacturer’s Window” or the responsible department by email. This should be done so that authorized Ministry of Defense specialists can provide clarification regarding the specifics of the documents for a particular sample. They are also responsible for explaining the requirements for tests and document forms. Receiving these clarifications will minimize formal comments.
Preparation and submission of the application and accompanying documents
Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Defense’s official platform, called “Arsenal.” Alternatively, they can follow the procedure specified by an order or instructions. Incidentally, businesses and individual entrepreneurs can also submit applications. Sample forms and step-by-step instructions are available on the platform.
Initial inspection by the military representative
At this stage the following is provided:
- verifying the completeness of the documents;
- determining the need for standard and additional tests;
- assigning responsible executors (this could be a test center or, for example, military representatives).
If the package is incomplete, it will be returned to the applicant for revision.
Official tests if necessary
Testing is carried out in accordance with the procedure regulated by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution № 159 and accompanying instructions. This includes the test plan, methods, program, and standard test report.
Once the tests are completed, a report is prepared based on their results. This report is the key document for decision-making.
Reviewing the results and making a decision
Based on the conclusions of the military representative, as well as the test reports, the state customer / Ministry of Defense makes a decision on:
- assignment of a codification number and subsequent entry into the registers;
- or refusal/requirement for modifications.
If the applicant receives a positive decision, he receives an order for admission to operation/commissioning and timesheets.
Registration and support of registers
This is the final stage, which involves entering technical (design) documentation into the register and supply inventory. It also involves maintaining a “control copy” and updating the documentation during serial deliveries or modifications.
Now, it’s worth considering the typical minimum package of documents required to complete the weapons codification procedure.
What documents are required?
First of all, it’s important to note that the specific documentation required depends on the type of sample (it varies for ammunition, UAVs, electronic warfare systems, components, etc.). At the same time, there are some standard documents that are relevant for different cases. These are:
- an application for codification according to the Ministry of Defense form. It must be completed via the Arsenal online platform or in paper form;
- technical description/operating documentation (passport, operating manual);
- performance characteristics;
- design/technical documentation (drawings, specifications). This is required for inclusion in the technical documentation register;
- certificates of conformity for materials and components, if any. Information on their origin (including imported components) must also be provided;
- a standard/state test report or a test center report, if the test has already been passed;
- documents confirming the manufacturer’s right (certificates, licenses), safety declarations, serial number/batch information;
- information on access restrictions/classification (if necessary). This applies to the processing and storage of information.
Representatives of the Ministry of Defense have recently officially noted their desire to reduce the list of formalities, making the list of required documents minimal.
Are preliminary (standard) tests necessary – when and how?
In many cases, such testing is mandatory. Cabinet of Ministers Resolution № 159, for example, establishes that sample testing is the official mechanism for verifying the following parameters:
- compliance with technical specifications;
- safety;
- reliability;
- operational suitability.
Without a positive test report, a decision on approval and codification may not be made. Regarding the types of tests, they are as follows:
- benchtop;
- field;
- resource;
- climatic;
- electromagnetic compatibility (relevant for electronic warfare/electronics);
- ballistic (relevant for ammunition);
- environmental – depends on the product class.
The 2024 instructions detail the preparation and testing procedures for prototypes.
If you need professional advice or legal support regarding weapons codification, the lawyers at “Prikhodko & Partners” Law Firm provide these services. To order, please fill out the contact form on the website.
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