Military modernization - Russia's key security strategy

Buy new plane

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on February 8 that it will receive more multi-role fighters and two-seat training aircraft in 2018.

“This year’s program includes the delivery of a total of 24 aircraft, including 10 Su-30SM multirole fighters, as well as 14 Yak-130 training aircraft to the air force and navy,” Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said.

“We currently have 92 Yak-130 aircraft in service, but we are still planning to discuss a long-term contract for the purchase of more of these aircraft. We expect to sign the contract this year,” he said.

The Su-30SME (Flanker-H by NATO) multi-role fighter is designed to perform air superiority missions as well as attack ground and surface targets. The aircraft is equipped with small flaps and thrust vector control engines, which gives it super maneuverability. In addition, the Su-30SM is equipped with Bars multi-purpose radio-electronic command stations. It is also equipped with various types of weapons such as air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground high-precision guided weapons.

The Su-30SM can be used to train pilots to operate similar aircraft in the future. Since 2012, Russia has been manufacturing these aircraft to equip the Air Force.

The Yak-130 is Russia's latest generation of two-seat jet trainer-fighter aircraft. It can be used for pilot training as well as surveillance, but when necessary, it can transform into a light fighter that operates in all weather conditions, with very strong air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. This aircraft has maneuverability parameters and flight performance similar to modern light fighters, and can be used to train pilots to operate 4th and 5th generation fighters.

In addition to purchasing the two new aircraft mentioned above, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that the Ministry is planning to sign a contract to purchase a series of 5th generation Su-57 fighter jets.

“In 2018, we will sign a contract for the purchase of a new batch of 12 Su-57 aircraft for the Armed Forces. These aircraft will be tested in combat,” Borisov said, adding that the first two aircraft in the new batch will enter service in 2019.

In December 2017, the Russian Defense Industry Complex announced that the Su-57 had conducted its first test flight with a new jet engine. With this new engine, the Su-57 ensures supersonic cruise capability and optimal stealth capabilities even when operating at high power.

When asked about the performance of the new engine of the Su-57 aircraft, he said, “It is difficult to give an exact answer at this time because everything is still at the initial stage. We still have to conduct many testing stages. There will be more flights. The completion of the testing process can take place within 2 to 3 years.”

Improvement and development of ammunition and rifles

Also on February 8, according to Mr. Sergei Chemezov, head of the state-owned corporation Rostec, the Kalashnikov rifle manufacturing company is starting mass production of the modern AK-12 rifle.

“Before the end of this year, we will hand over the first batch to the Russian army. The testing phase was successful and now we are starting mass production,” he said. This is part of the Defense Ministry’s plan to equip the Russian army with AK-12 and AK-15 assault rifles after a long period of testing. With this plan, the AK-12 and AK-15 duo will become part of the future infantry combat equipment complex called “Ratnik”.

On February 2, CEO of Russia's Pribor Research and Production Association, Yuri Nabokov, said that Russia is developing ammunition for electronic warfare and small-sized ammunition capable of deciding the time and location of explosion.

“We are continuing to review and research this plan. At the basic technical level, we have developed smart bullets that allow the user to determine when, where and how the bullet will explode. However, from the manufacturer’s point of view, we see that there are still many disadvantages.

Responding to the question whether the Pribor Research and Production Association is developing 30mm electronic ammunition, Yuri Nabokov said: “We have created a department that is solely responsible for dealing with issues related to electronic ammunition and non-traditional ammunition. However, this work is being carried out at the level of review and evaluation and has not yet carried out specific tasks.”

19 trillion ruble target for military modernization plan until 2027

Kommersant newspaper said that the Kremlin has received the final report on the Russian military modernization and upgrade program. Accordingly, the Russian Defense Ministry will receive about 19 trillion rubles to rearm the army from now until 2027. This plan pays special attention to the development of nuclear deterrence systems, high-precision weapons, weapons based on new physical principles and the development of multi-purpose military forces. Specifically, the infantry will be equipped with new air defense systems, T-90 and T-14 Armata tanks, Kurganets-25 armored vehicles, Boomerang armored vehicles. Meanwhile, the air force will receive Su-30SM multi-role fighters, Su-35 fighters and Su-35 bombers, as well as a series of advanced Su-57 helicopters, 24 MiG-35 fighters, and Tu-160M2 strategic missile aircraft.

The military equipment upgrade program until 2027 has been developed for more than 3 years. According to the plan, this program was approved in 2016, but due to the instability of the economy at that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin was forced to delay its approval. However, in recent years, when the international situation has changed a lot, Russia has realized the importance of upgrading and equipping the army with military equipment to counter potential threats.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that in 2018, the defense budget will account for about 2.8% of GDP, or slightly more than 46 billion USD. Of this, 23 billion USD will be used to buy weapons, the remaining half will be spent on maintenance. The Russian leader also affirmed the need to ensure national security in parallel with reasonable defense spending to avoid economic collapse./.