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http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/20140917.aspx
Although only 4.4 percent of Russian imports are from Ukraine many of those imports are crucial for the Russian armaments industry and the current modernization program for the Russian armed forces.
These industrial links date back to Soviet times and many remained active after the USRR collapsed in 1991.
In many areas Russian arms producers, and users, are highly dependent on Ukrainian industry and most of these items cannot be quickly or cheaply replaced by Russian made substitutes.
This is mainly due to insufficient production capacity of Russian industries.
The most severe shortages occur in key areas. Prominent examples include IBCMs, air-to-air missiles, aviation and engines for warships.
Then there are the Ukrainian made guidance systems used in Russian air-to-air missiles.
This includes the infrared (heat seeking) guidance systems for short-range R-73 and medium-range R-27T.
These missiles are the main armament for MiG-29, Su-27, Su-30 and Su-35 fighters.
The Su-27/30 aircraft contain a lot of Ukrainian components (hydraulic systems, electrical and electronic systems) as well as braking parachutes.
Those components are also produced in Russia but not enough of them to meet the current needs.
This dependence on Ukrainian components has an impact on Russian warplane exports.
Some of the existing export deals will be seriously jeopardized without Ukrainian components.
If the Russians lose access to Ukrainian production their only choice would be to delay deliveries to the Russian air force in order to service the signed export contracts.
One of the most important Ukrainian aviation suppliers is Motor Sich produces many of the new engines (and modernizes old ones) for the Mi-8/17 transport helicopters and Ka-50/52, Mi-28 and Mi24/35 attack helicopters.
Despite the considerable effort the Russian industry has been not able to produce more sufficient helicopter engines for planned aircraft production over the next three years.
Without Ukrainian engines Russia will be unable to produce the number of new helicopters for their own forces and export orders.
They will also be unable to refurbish older engines to keep existing helicopters operational.
