Police forces began exploring new options to modernize the fleet of traffic police patrol cars. This development was reported by Kommersant, highlighting how agencies were weighing their procurement choices amid changing market conditions.
Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs purchased a mix of models for regional divisions, including Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Solaris, UAZ Patriot, and Lada Granta. With some Western automakers withdrawing from the Russian market, regional departments faced questions about supply resilience, maintenance networks, and long-term service support. The shift prompted officials to review alternatives that could ensure reliable performance under varying terrain and operational demands.
In the current year, the department estimates a need to replace or augment more than 2.8 thousand vehicles to sustain effective traffic policing, road safety campaigns, and incident response. This scale requires careful planning around vehicle life cycles, spare parts availability, and the ability to deploy the latest safety features within budget constraints.
Industry and trade officials noted that efforts to equip the Ministry of Internal Affairs are proceeding with an eye on sanctions risk, logistical hurdles, and a range of additional challenges. The remarks underscored the importance of securing a steady supply chain, evaluating total cost of ownership, and selecting models that balance performance with enduring durability in regional conditions.
Analysts pointed to potential engagement with manufacturers from China and domestic players such as AvtoVAZ as part of a diversified sourcing strategy. The emphasis was on ensuring that patrol fleets could meet operational requirements, including reliability, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with existing infrastructure for communications and fleet management.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs stressed that negotiations with leading producers of patrol vehicles had progressed, reinforcing confidence in continued support and after-sales service. Officials indicated that the dialogue was aimed at aligning procurement timelines with budgetary planning and the realities of the current market environment.
Former industry officials warned that foreign automakers may reduce or end offerings to the Russian market, which could accelerate the shift toward domestic manufacturing and regional suppliers. The discussion highlighted the need for forward-looking planning, investment in local production capacity, and the ability to adapt to a changing global supply landscape while maintaining the safety and efficiency of policing operations.”