Russia steps up military modernization ... but at what cost?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:49:26 -0400

It has a remote-controlled turret, it bristles with state-of-the-art defense systems and its computerized controls make driving it feel "like playing a video game." Russia's Armata tank, which its creator says can be turned into a fully robotic combat vehicle, is the crowning glory of a sweeping military modernization drive that is rumbling forward amid a perilous confrontation with the West over Ukraine.

But President Vladimir Putin's expensive arms build-up faces major hurdles as Russia's economy sinks under the weight of Western sanctions and falling oil prices. The 22-trillion ruble (about $400-billion) program, which envisages the acquisition of 2,300 new tanks, hundreds of aircraft and missiles and dozens of navy ships, was conceived back at the time when Russia's coffers were brimming with petrodollars.

Putin vowed that the military upgrade would go ahead as planned, and this year's military budget rose by 33 percent to about 3.3 trillion rubles (nearly $60 billion). Some observers predict that the Kremlin will inevitably have to scale down the plans amid a grinding recession.

In one of the first harbingers of the possible curtailment of new arms procurement, a deputy defense minister said earlier this year that the air force will likely reduce its order for the T-50, a costly state-of-the art fighter jet developed for two decades to counter the U.S. Raptor.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/06/12/russia-steps-up-military-modernization--but-at-what-cost/71120146/

Russia steps up military modernization – but at what cost?

NIZHNY TAGIL, Russia — It has a remote-controlled turret, it bristles with state-of-the-art defense systems and its computerized controls make

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 12 at 2015 7:16 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 19:16:29 -0400

Meanwhile, in America, we slash and burn our defense to fund..............

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 8:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:11:01 -0400

Isn't that the same tank that broke down during their big parade?

Remote controlled turrets and state of the art computers....yeah ok. I'm sure we're a little ahead of them as far as that stuff goes, and we have quirks in our stuff that were still working out.

They are back to the Cold War mentality of mass vehicle and throw personnel at ya to overwhelm just by sheer numbers

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 13 at 2015 8:52 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 20:52:22 -0400

While we slept....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 8:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 20:58:55 -0400

Yes

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 18 at 2021 4:34 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:34:28 -0400

Perhaps they will invade Afghanistan again, it's their turn