The Russian Armed Forces have a three-service structure, which better meets today's requirements and makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of combat use, seriously simplify the interaction of different types of Armed Forces and reduce the cost of the command and control system.
Currently, the Armed Forces structurally include three kind
- Ground troops,
- Air Force,
- Navy;
three type of troops
and
troops not included in the branches of the Armed Forces,
- Rear of the Armed Forces,
- organizations and military units for the construction and quartering of troops.
Structure of the Ground Forces
Ground troops As a branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, they are intended to conduct combat operations primarily on land. In terms of their combat capabilities, they are capable, in cooperation with other branches of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, to conduct an offensive in order to defeat the enemy group and seize its territory, deliver fire strikes to great depths, repel the invasion of the enemy, his large airborne assault forces, firmly hold occupied territories, areas and frontiers.
The leadership of the Ground Forces is entrusted to Main Command of the Ground Forces.
The Main Command of the Ground Forces is a control body that combines full responsibility for the state of the branch of the Armed Forces, its construction, development, training and use.
The Main Command of the Ground Forces is entrusted with the following tasks:
- preparing troops for combat operations, based on the tasks determined by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation;
- improving the structure and composition, optimizing the number, incl. combat arms and special forces;
- development of military theory and practice;
- development and implementation of combat manuals, manuals, and methodological aids in troop training;
- improving the operational and combat training of the Ground Forces together with other branches of the Russian Armed Forces.
The Ground Forces include:
- types of troops - motorized rifle, tank, missile troops and artillery, military air defense, army aviation;
- special troops (formations and units - reconnaissance, communications, electronic warfare, engineering, radiation, chemical and biological protection, technical support, automotive and rear security);
- military units and logistics institutions.
Currently, the Ground Forces organizationally consist of
- military districts (Moscow, Leningrad, North Caucasus, Volga-Ural, Siberian and Far Eastern),
- armies,
- army corps,
- motorized rifle (tank), artillery and machine gun-artillery divisions,
- fortified areas,
- brigades,
- individual military units,
- military institutions,
- enterprises and organizations.
Motorized rifle troops- the most numerous branch of the military, forming the basis of the Ground Forces and the core of their combat formations. They are equipped with powerful weapons to destroy ground and air targets, missile systems, tanks, artillery and mortars, anti-tank guided missiles, anti-aircraft missile systems and installations, and effective reconnaissance and control equipment.
Tank forces- the main striking force of the Ground Forces and a powerful means of armed warfare, designed to solve the most important tasks in various types of combat operations.
Rocket Forces and Artillery- the main firepower and the most important operational means in solving combat missions to defeat enemy groups.
Military air defense is one of the main means of destroying enemy air. It consists of anti-aircraft missile, anti-aircraft artillery and radio engineering units and subunits.
Army aviation designed for action directly in the interests of combined arms formations, their air support, tactical air reconnaissance, tactical airborne landings and fire support for their actions, electronic warfare, laying minefields and other tasks.
The successful implementation by combined arms formations of the tasks facing them is ensured by special troops (engineering, radiation, chemical and biological protection) and services (weapons, logistics).
In order to harmonize the efforts of the world community in matters of maintaining peace (implementation of paragraph 6 of the UN Charter “Observation Mission”), the Ground Forces are entrusted with the task of implementing peacekeeping functions. We provide assistance to other states in military development, organizing the operation and maintenance of weapons and military equipment purchased from Russia, and training specialists in various fields in educational institutions of the Ground Forces.
Currently, units and units of the Ground Forces are serving in peacekeeping duties in Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria.
Air Force (AF)– branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. They are designed to conduct reconnaissance of enemy groups; ensuring the acquisition of dominance (containment) in the air; protection from air strikes of important military-economic regions (objects) of the country and troop groups; air attack warnings; defeating targets that form the basis of the enemy’s military and military-economic potential; air support for ground and naval forces; airborne landings; transportation of troops and materiel by air.
Air Force Structure
The Air Force includes the following types of troops:
- aviation (types of aviation - bomber, attack, fighter aircraft, air defense, reconnaissance, transport and special),
- anti-aircraft missile forces,
- radio technical troops,
- special troops,
- units and institutions of the rear.
Bomber aircraft It is armed with long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers of various types. It is designed to defeat troop groups, destroy important military, energy facilities and communications centers primarily in the strategic and operational depths of enemy defenses. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as air-to-surface guided missiles.
Attack aircraft Designed for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects primarily at the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy, as well as combating enemy aircraft in the air.
One of the main requirements for an attack aircraft is high accuracy in hitting ground targets. Weapons: large-caliber guns, bombs, rockets.
Air defense fighter aircraft is the main maneuvering force of the air defense system and is designed to cover the most important directions and objects from enemy air attack. It is capable of destroying the enemy at maximum ranges from defended objects.
Air defense aviation is armed with air defense fighter aircraft, combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.
Reconnaissance aircraft designed for conducting aerial reconnaissance of the enemy, terrain and weather, and can destroy hidden enemy objects.
Reconnaissance flights can also be carried out by bomber, fighter-bomber, attack and fighter aircraft. For this purpose, they are specially equipped with day and night photography equipment at various scales, high-resolution radio and radar stations, heat direction finders, sound recording and television equipment, and magnetometers.
Reconnaissance aviation is divided into tactical, operational and strategic reconnaissance aviation.
Transport aviation designed for the transportation of troops, military equipment, weapons, ammunition, fuel, food, airborne landings, evacuation of the wounded, sick, etc.
Special aviation designed for long-range radar detection and guidance, refueling aircraft in the air, electronic warfare, radiation, chemical and biological protection, control and communications, meteorological and technical support, rescue of crews in distress, evacuation of the wounded and sick.
Anti-aircraft missile forces designed to protect the country's most important facilities and troop groups from enemy air strikes.
They constitute the main firepower of the air defense system and are armed with anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-aircraft missile systems for various purposes, possessing great firepower and high accuracy in destroying enemy air attack weapons.
Radio technical troops- the main source of information about the air enemy and are intended for conducting radar reconnaissance, monitoring the flights of their aircraft and compliance by aircraft of all departments with the rules for the use of airspace.
They provide information about the beginning of an air attack, combat information for anti-aircraft missile forces and air defense aviation, as well as information for controlling formations, units and air defense units.
The radio technical troops are armed with radar stations and radar systems capable of detecting not only airborne but also surface targets at any time of the year and day, regardless of meteorological conditions and interference.
Communication units and subdivisions designed for deployment and operation of communication systems in order to ensure command and control of troops in all types of combat activities.
Electronic warfare units and units designed to interfere with airborne radars, bomb sights, communications and radio navigation of enemy air attack systems.
Units and subdivisions of communications and radio engineering support designed to provide control of aviation units and subunits, aircraft navigation, takeoff and landing of aircraft and helicopters.
Units and subunits of the engineering troops, as well as units and subunits of radiation, chemical and biological protection, are designed to perform the most complex tasks of engineering and chemical support, respectively.
Navy is a branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. It is intended for the armed protection of Russian interests and for conducting combat operations in the sea and ocean theaters of war. The Navy is capable of delivering nuclear strikes on enemy ground targets, destroying enemy fleet groups at sea and bases, disrupting the enemy’s ocean and sea communications and protecting its maritime transport, assisting ground forces in operations in continental theaters of war, landing amphibious assault forces, and participating in repelling landing forces. enemy and perform other tasks.
Structure of the Navy
The Navy is a powerful factor in the country's defense capability. It is divided into strategic nuclear forces and general purpose forces. Strategic nuclear forces have great nuclear missile power, high mobility and the ability to operate for a long time in various areas of the World Ocean.
The Navy consists of the following branches of the force:
- underwater,
- surface
- naval aviation, marines and coastal defense forces.
It also includes ships and vessels, special purpose units,
rear units and units.
Submarine forces- a striking force of the fleet, capable of controlling the expanses of the World Ocean, secretly and quickly deploying in the right directions and delivering unexpected powerful strikes from the depths of the ocean against sea and continental targets. Depending on the main armament, submarines are divided into missile and torpedo submarines, and according to the type of power plant into nuclear and diesel-electric.
The main striking force of the Navy is nuclear submarines armed with ballistic and cruise missiles with nuclear warheads. These ships are constantly in various areas of the World Ocean, ready for the immediate use of their strategic weapons.
Nuclear-powered submarines armed with ship-to-ship cruise missiles are aimed primarily at combating large enemy surface ships.
Nuclear torpedo submarines are used to disrupt enemy underwater and surface communications and in the defense system against underwater threats, as well as to escort missile submarines and surface ships.
The use of diesel submarines (missile and torpedo submarines) is mainly associated with solving typical tasks for them in limited areas of the sea.
The integrity of any state depends on many factors: external and internal opponents, economic situation, general standard of living. The country's leaders have to take into account all these aspects and promptly resolve emerging situations.
Accordingly, the tools for performing a particular task are provided. For example, in order to maintain sovereignty and protect its people from invaders, the Russian armed forces exist.
Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces - V.V. Putin
History of the creation of the RF Armed Forces
The Russian armed forces number about 2 million people. This number includes both professional soldiers and conscripts. Civilian specialists are also present in the Armed Forces. Billions of rubles are allocated annually for the needs of the armed forces. These funds are used for re-equipment, development of new types of weapons, and salaries for the military.
In addition to protecting state integrity and repelling foreign aggression, the Army of the Russian Federation is also involved in more subtle processes. Sometimes, to maintain peace, it is necessary to act on the territory of other countries. A striking example is the situation in Syria. Where the army of the Russian Armed Forces and its Aerospace Forces (Aerospace Forces) of Russia took part in the defeat of terrorist groups.
Historical dates when the armed forces of the RF Armed Forces were created:
| Year | Events |
| 1992 | The armed forces are being formed on the basis of the armed forces of the USSR. The Russian Army includes military formations located on the territory of the country, as well as forces located outside its borders: in Germany, Mongolia, etc. |
| 1992 | The concept of Mobile Forces (MF) is being developed. In total there should have been 5 groups, fully staffed. It was planned to switch from the conscription system to a contract basis |
| 1993 | It was possible to assemble only 3 mechanized MS brigades |
| 1994 — 1996 | First Chechen War. Due to unfinished personnel, the military group had to be recruited from almost the entire country. Defense Minister Grachev suggested that Yeltsin carry out a limited mobilization. The President refused |
| 1996 | I. Rodionov becomes Minister of Defense |
| 1997 | I. Sergeev is appointed Minister of Defense |
| 1998 | A new attempt is being made to reorganize the Armed Forces. The size of the Russian army is being halved. Up to 1,200 thousand |
| 1999 — 2006 | Second Chechen. Airborne brigades were added to the ground units of the Armed Forces. Funding has improved. The percentage of contract workers has increased |
| 2001 | S. Ivanov becomes Minister of Defense |
| 2001 | Processes continue to transfer military personnel to a contract basis. Service life was reduced to 1 year (WWII - 2 years) |
| 2005 | The process to improve aircraft management has begun |
| 2006 | We launched a state program for the development of the army for 2007-2015 |
| 2007 | Serdyukov became the Minister of Defense |
| 2008 | Russian armed forces are taking part in the South Ossetian conflict. The result for the army was the recognition of the clumsiness and extreme unoptimization of the command system |
| 2008 | After the August conflict, we carried out global work to modernize the command and control system. More funds have been allocated from the budget for the training of recruits. The command structure of the Ground Units has been simplified |
| 2012 | Sergei Shoigu was appointed Minister of Defense by presidential decree |
| 2013 | The structure of the army began to return to regiments and divisions |
| 2014 | The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation took part in events related to the referendum on the Crimean peninsula |
| 2015 | Unification of the Air Force and Military Space Defense Forces into the Aerospace Forces |
| 2015 | Russian armed forces entered the territory of the Syrian Republic |
| 2016 | Formation of the 144th, 3rd and 150th motorized rifle divisions |
| 2017 | Russian military forces have officially withdrawn from Syria |
Structure of the Russian Army
The RF Armed Forces include many different structures. All of them have a clear focus and division into areas of responsibility. The structure of the Russian Army consists of various branches of the military.
Types of troops:
- Ground Forces (SV);
- Aerospace Forces (VKS);
- Navy (Navy);
- Certain types of troops;
- Special troops.
Ground troops
They are the most numerous. Their primary task is to conduct offensive and defensive operations. Thanks to technical equipment, the modern armed forces of the Russian Federation can carry out operations to break through the enemy’s layered defenses and capture key points and cities. The head of the ground forces is Colonel General Oleg Leonidovich Salyukov.
The SV includes the following types of troops:
| Name of troops | Short description | |
 |
Motorized infantry capable of covering significant distances. The composition includes infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and military trucks. Divided into divisions. Consists of tanks, artillery, etc. | |
 |
Main striking force. The primary purpose is to break through behind enemy lines. Capable of conducting combat operations in conditions of high radiation. It also includes missile, motorized rifle and other units. | |
 |
The composition includes cannon, rocket, and mortar artillery. There are reconnaissance and supply units | |
 |
Serve to protect ground forces from enemy air attacks | |
 |
Special Forces | Various types of troops with narrow specialization. This includes automotive units, electronic warfare troops, chemical and biological defense, and others |
The main goal of this type of troops is to fight for the health of soldiers in peacetime and wartime. The MV includes mobile and stationary hospitals. In addition, in peacetime, the responsibilities of this service include providing army units with medical equipment and training personnel in first aid techniques.
In combat conditions, the value of MS increases many times over. They provide timely medical care to wounded servicemen and provide inpatient treatment for the soldier’s speedy return to duty.
Aerospace Forces
The main structure of the Russian Army is the Aerospace Forces. They were created to gain air superiority, conduct reconnaissance operations, transport military equipment and personnel in an operational mode, and protect ground forces from enemy air raids.
It also includes long-range or strategic aviation. Its purpose is to disable industrial and economic facilities. Both cruise missiles with simple warheads and those equipped with nuclear elements can be used.
Separately, the Aerospace Forces includes the Missile Defense and Air Defense divisions. Their tasks include:
- protection of objects on the territory of the country;
- enemy air reconnaissance obstruction;
- defense against short-, medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, including components of nuclear weapons of the Russian Armed Forces.
To ensure the protection of the Russian Federation in the space sector, there are Space Forces.
Commander-in-Chief- Bondarev V.N.
Navy
It includes surface and submarine fleets, naval aviation and coastal missile and cannon artillery, as well as coastal defense forces and marines. The WWII is engaged in the defense of our country's maritime borders, but can also be used as an offensive force.
Submarines armed with nuclear missiles are an important element of deterrence.
Commander-in-Chief of the Navy- Admiral V. Korolev.
The fleet also delivers other types of troops to various parts of the world: tank, air, etc. Naval aviation includes airplanes and helicopters based on aircraft carriers.
Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN)
The nuclear shield of our state. This includes ballistic missiles of different ranges: medium, short, intercontinental. They are based both in stationary facilities and on mobile platforms, wheeled chassis and even nuclear trains. They are the main weapon of containment tactics.
Commander-in-Chief- S. Karakaev.
Airborne troops (VDV)
High mobility infantry transported by air. He is distinguished by a high level of combat training. Equipped with special military equipment, also transported by air.
Commander-in-Chief- A. Serdyukov.
Emblems of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
| Picture | Type of army | Short description |
 |
Units conducting offensive and defensive operations on land. Equipped with tanks, artillery, air defense systems | |
 |
Provide medical support to the army | |
 |
Designed for the defense of air and space of the Russian Federation. Includes strategic aviation | |
 |
Surface and submarine ships, naval aviation and infantry, defense of the country's water borders | |
 |
Russian nuclear shield | |
 |
Rapid reaction troops | |
 |
Certain genera | Logistics services |
Armament
The modern Russian army uses the following weapons.
Tanks:
| Photo | Name | Short description | Crew | Armament | Add. systems |
 |
T-72 | Main battle tank with a carousel loading system. Crew 3 people. 125 mm caliber gun. There is an anti-aircraft machine gun. May have dynamic and active protection. Diesel engine. | 3 | The caliber of the main gun is 125 mm, the secondary gun is 7.62 and 15.5 mm anti-aircraft machine guns. On later modifications, small-caliber 20-mm cannons are mounted for use against infantry and lightly armored targets. | Thermal imagers, noctovisors, dynamic protection, active protection systems, devices for creating a smoke screen |
 |
T-80 | Tank with a gas turbine engine. It is a high-quality reinforcement of armored units. | |||
 |
T-90 | Shallow modernization of the T-72 tank. The main differences are in the suspension and ammunition used. |
Infantry fighting vehicles:
| Photo | Name | Short description | Crew/ Landing |
Armament |
 |
Infantry support vehicle. It has a fighting compartment in which soldiers are transported. Equipped with an automatic cannon and guided missiles. | 3/8 | 73 mm gun, anti-tank guided missiles | |
|
|
High-quality modernization. Better armor and weapons. | 3/7 | 30 mm autocannon, 7.62 mm machine gun, anti-tank missiles | |
 |
Installed another power plant and gun. | 2/9 | Combat module of 30 and 100 mm cannons, 3 machine guns, ATGM |
Airborne combat vehicle:
| Photo | Name | Short description | Crew | Landing | Armament |
 |
Specially designed for the needs of the Airborne Forces. Compared to the BMD, it has less weight and dimensions. The weapons are identical. | 2 | 5 | 3 7.62 mm machine guns, 73 mm autocannon, ATGM | |
 |
Improved model. Can be parachuted with troops in the fighting compartment. | 30-mm automatic cannon, machine guns, ATGM “Konkurs” | |||
 |
The latest modification. Significantly lighter. The weapons complex has changed. | Automatic grenade launcher, anti-tank missile launcher, machine guns and 30mm cannon |
Armored personnel carriers:
| Photo | Name | Description | Crew | Landing | Weapon |
 |
Used to transport infantry. They differ in their wheel-propulsion system and armor. | 2 | 8 | 14.5 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns | |
 |
3 | 7 | |||
|
|
3 | 7 | 30 mm gun |
Armored vehicles:
| Photo | Name | Description | Speed, km/h | Equipment |
 |
All-terrain armored car made in Italy. | Up to 130 | Heavy machine gun, armored glass, protection against landmines and mines | |
 |
GAZ-2975 "Tiger" | Modern domestic armored car. It has good armor and anti-explosive protection. There is a modification with “Konkurs” missiles | Up to 140 | Installation of 30-mm autocannons, various machine guns, AGS and ATGMs |
Artillery and missile forces:
| Photo | Name | Short description | Crew | Equipment | Fire range, km |
 |
Barrel artillery mount designed for fire support of advancing forces | 6 | 152 mm gun, machine guns | Up to 26 | |
 |
4 | 152 mm gun | Up to 20 | ||
|
|
4 | 122 mm gun | Up to 15 | ||
 |
"Grad", "Smerch", "Pinocchio" "Sunny" |
Multiple launch rocket systems | Until 6 | Missiles with a caliber of up to 300 mm | Up to 120 |
 |
Tactical missile systems | To 10 | Missiles of different ranges | Up to 120 | |
 |
Up to several dozen | Missiles, including those with nuclear warheads | Up to 500 | ||
 |
"Buk", "Tor", Pantsir-S, S-300, S-400 | Air defense systems | Up to several dozen | Missiles, mainly with small destructive elements | Coverage area up to 1000 |
Aviation of the Russian Armed Forces:
| Picture | Name | Description | Equipment | Max. speed, km/h |
 |
Fighters | Air-to-air missiles and small caliber guns | Up to 2500 | |
|
|
Up to 2500 | |||
 |
Up to 2500 | |||
 |
Su-24, Su-34 | Frontline bombers | High explosive bombs, including cluster bombs | Up to 2200 |
 |
Stormtrooper | Guided and unguided missiles, guns, bombs | Until 2000 | |
 |
Long-range strategic missile-carrying bombers | Missiles, including those with nuclear warheads, and bombs | Up to 2300 | |
 |
Up to 750 | |||
 |
Up to 2200 | |||
 |
Transport aircraft | — | Up to 800 | |
| An-72 | ||||
| An-124 | ||||
| IL-76 | ||||
 |
Il-96-300PU | Radar detection aircraft | Equipped with specific equipment for electronic reconnaissance | Up to 800 |
 |
A-50 | Air command post | — | Up to 800 |
 |
Combat attack helicopters | Rockets, machine guns, cannons | Up to 600 | |
 |
Army helicopters | Rockets, guns | Up to 800 |
Navy ships:
| Picture | Project | Type |
 |
Aircraft-carrying cruiser. Carries fighters. For defense, small-caliber guns and anti-aircraft missile launchers are provided. | |
 |
1164 | Missile cruiser. It is used to destroy enemy fortifications and ships using missiles of various calibers. |
 |
1155 | Anti-submarine ships. Armed with cannon artillery and torpedoes. |
 |
775 | A landing ship for transporting heavy armored vehicles and manpower. In addition to delivery, it provides cover for landing forces. |
 |
949 | An underwater missile carrier that, in addition to missiles, also carries torpedoes. Can be launched from an underwater position. Carries nuclear weapons. |
Number of members
The size of the army is a state secret. Therefore, open sources only contain information for 2011. According to these data, the RF Armed Forces number about 1,000 thousand people, which is more than two times less than at the time of the creation of our country’s armed forces.
Service in the Russian army
In 2017, the service life of a conscript soldier is 1 calendar year (in the Navy - 2). During this time, his training takes place. The course includes combat and shooting training. In addition, it all depends on the branch of the military where the recruit ends up. Depending on this, additional skills are taught.
During their service, soldiers live in barracks. They eat in common canteens. In case of illness, treatment takes place in the medical building of the military unit.
There are also higher educational institutions with a military focus. Future officers are trained there. Each military university has its own narrow specialization.
| Structure and tasks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation | Types of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Types of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Russian Armed Forces)- a state military organization of the Russian Federation, designed to repel aggression directed against the Russian Federation - Russia, for the armed defense of the integrity and inviolability of its territory, as well as to carry out tasks in accordance with international treaties of Russia.
A branch of the Armed Forces is an integral part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, distinguished by special weapons and designed to perform assigned tasks, as a rule, in any environment (on land, in water, in the air).
✑ Ground forces
✑ Aerospace Forces
✑ Navy.
Each branch of the Armed Forces consists of combat arms (forces), special troops and logistics.
Ground troops
From the history of creation
Ground forces are the oldest type of troops. In the era of the slave system, they consisted of two types of troops (infantry and cavalry) or only one of them. The organization and tactics of these troops received significant development in Ancient Rome, where a coherent system of their recruitment, training and use was created. In the VIII - XIV centuries. the use of handguns and artillery sharply increased the combat power of the ground forces and caused changes in the tactics of their actions and organization. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. Ground forces in various countries, including Russia, received a harmonious permanent organization, which included platoons, companies (squadrons), battalions, regiments, brigades, divisions and army corps. By the beginning of the First World War, ground forces constituted the bulk of the armed forces of most countries. By this time, they received repeating rifles with bayonets, heavy and light machine guns, rapid-fire guns, mortars, armored vehicles, and at the end of the war, tanks. The troops were united into armies, consisting of corps and divisions. The further creation and introduction of new types of weapons into the troops caused a change in the structure of the ground forces. They included armored, chemical, automobile and air defense troops.
Organizational structure of the Ground Forces
- High Command
- Motorized rifle troops
- Tank forces
- Rocket Forces and Artillery
- Air defense troops
- Intelligence units and military units
- Corps of Engineers
- Radiation, chemical and biological defense troops
- Signal Corps
Ground troops- This is a type of troops intended primarily for conducting combat operations on land. In most states they are the most numerous, diverse in weapons and methods of warfare, and have great firepower and striking power. They are capable of conducting an offensive in order to defeat enemy troops and seize its territory, deliver fire strikes to great depths, repel enemy invasions, and firmly hold occupied territories and lines.
- These troops include:
- motorized rifle troops,
- tank forces,
- missile forces and artillery,
- air defense troops,
- units and units of special forces,
- units and institutions of the rear.
Motorized rifle troops- the most numerous branch of the military. They consist of motorized rifle formations, units and subunits and are designed to conduct military operations independently or together with other branches of the military and special forces. They are equipped with powerful weapons to destroy ground and air targets, and have effective reconnaissance and control means.
Tank forces designed to conduct combat operations independently and in cooperation with other branches of the military and special forces. They are equipped with tanks of various types (high cross-country tracked combat vehicles, fully armored, with weapons to destroy various targets on the battlefield).
Tank troops constitute the main striking force of the ground forces. They are used primarily in the main directions to deliver powerful and deep blows to the enemy. Possessing high firepower, reliable protection, great mobility and maneuverability, they are capable of achieving the ultimate goals of combat and operation in a short time.
Rocket Forces and Artillery- a branch of the military created in the early 60s. based on the artillery of the Ground Forces and the introduction of missile weapons into the troops.
They serve as the main means of nuclear and fire destruction of the enemy and can destroy nuclear attack weapons, enemy force groups, aviation at airfields, and air defense facilities; hit reserves, control points, destroy warehouses, communications centers and other important objects. Combat missions are carried out using all types of fire and missile strikes.
In addition to missile systems, they are armed with artillery systems, which, according to their combat properties, are divided into cannon, howitzer, jet, anti-tank and mortar systems, according to methods of movement - into self-propelled, towed, self-propelled, transportable and stationary, and according to design features - into barreled, rifled , smoothbore, recoilless, jet, etc.
Air defense troops carry out tasks to repel enemy air attacks, cover troops and rear facilities from air strikes. Air defense is organized in all types of combat during troop movements and positioning on site. It includes reconnaissance of the air enemy, alerting troops about him, combat operations of anti-aircraft missile units and anti-aircraft artillery, aviation, as well as organized fire of anti-aircraft weapons and small arms of motorized rifle and tank units.
Special troops- these are military formations, institutions and organizations designed to support the combat activities of the Ground Forces and solve special problems. These include engineering troops, radiation, chemical and biological defense troops, communications troops and others, as well as weapons and logistics services.
The main guarantor of the independence and inviolability of the borders of any state is its armed forces. Diplomacy and economic means are certainly important (and effective) tools of international politics, but only those countries that are able to defend themselves are viable. The entire political history of mankind is proof of this thesis.
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces) are currently one of the largest in the world in terms of numbers. In rankings compiled by expert groups, the Russian army is usually in the top five, along with the armed forces of China, India, the United States and the DPRK. The size of the Russian army is determined by decrees of the country's president, who, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Currently (summer 2018) it is 1,885,371 people, including about 1 million military personnel. Today, our country’s mobilization resource is approximately 62 million people.
Russia is a nuclear state. Moreover, our country has one of the largest arsenals of nuclear weapons, as well as sophisticated and numerous means of delivering them. The Russian Federation ensures a closed cycle of nuclear weapons production.
Our country has one of the most developed military-industrial complexes in the world; the Russian military-industrial complex is capable of providing the armed forces with almost the entire range of weapons, military equipment and ammunition, from pistols to ballistic missiles. Moreover, Russia is one of the largest arms exporters in the world, with $14 billion worth of Russian weapons sold in 2017.
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were created on May 7, 1992 on the basis of units of the USSR Armed Forces, but the history of the Russian army is much longer and richer. It can be called the heir not only of the armed forces of the USSR, but also of the Russian imperial army, which ceased to exist in 1917.
Nowadays, the recruitment of the Russian armed forces occurs on a mixed principle: both through conscription and on a contract basis. Modern government policy in the field of formation of the armed forces is aimed at increasing the number of professionals serving under contract. Currently, all non-commissioned officers of the RF Armed Forces are completely professional.
The annual budget of the Russian armed forces in 2018 was 3.287 trillion rubles. This is 5.4% of the country's total GDP.
Currently, conscript service in the Russian army is 12 months. Men between the ages of 18 and 27 can be drafted into the armed forces.
History of the Russian Army
On July 14, 1990, the first Russian military department appeared. It was called the “State Committee of the RSFSR for support and interaction with the Ministry of Defense and the KGB of the USSR.” After the August putsch in Moscow, the Ministry of Defense of the RSFSR was formed for a short time on the basis of a committee.
After the collapse of the USSR, the United Armed Forces of the CIS countries were formed, but this was a temporary measure: on May 7, 1992, the first Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a decree on the creation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
Initially, the RF Armed Forces included all military units located on the territory of the country, as well as troops that were under Russian jurisdiction. Then their number was 2.88 million people. Almost immediately the question of reforming the armed forces arose.
The 90s were a difficult period for the Russian army. Chronic underfunding led to the fact that the best personnel left it, the purchase of new types of weapons practically ceased, many military factories were closed, and promising projects were stopped. Almost immediately after the creation of the Russian armed forces, plans appeared to completely transfer them to a contract basis, but lack of funding for a long time did not allow moving in this direction.
In 1995, the first Chechen campaign began, which demonstrated the catastrophic situation of the Russian army. The troops were understaffed, and the fighting showed serious shortcomings in their management.
In 2008, the Russian Armed Forces took part in the conflict in South Ossetia. He revealed a large number of shortcomings and problems of the modern Russian army. The most serious of them were low troop mobility and poor controllability. After the end of the conflict, the start of military reform was announced, which was supposed to significantly increase the mobility of the Armed Forces units and increase the coordination of their joint actions. The result of the reform was a reduction in the number of military districts (four instead of six), a simplification of the ground forces command and control system, and a significant increase in the army budget.
All this made it possible to speed up the entry of new military equipment into the troops, attract a larger number of contract professionals, and increase the intensity of combat training of units.
During the same period, regiments and divisions began to be reorganized into brigades. True, in 2013 the reverse process began: regiments and divisions began to form again.
In 2014, the Russian army played a key role in the return of Crimea. In September 2018, the operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria began, which continues to this day.
Structure of the Russian army
According to the Russian Constitution, the overall leadership of the Russian armed forces is exercised by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who is the president of the country. He heads and forms the Security Council of the Russian Federation, whose tasks include developing military doctrine and appointing senior leadership of the armed forces. The president of the country signs decrees on urgent conscription and transfer of military personnel to the reserve, approves various international documents in the field of defense and military cooperation.
Direct control of the armed forces is exercised by the Ministry of Defense. Its main task is to implement state policy in the field of defense, maintain constant readiness of the armed forces, develop the military potential of the state, resolve a wide range of social issues, and conduct events for interstate cooperation in the military sphere.
Currently (since 2012), the Russian Minister of Defense is Army General Sergei Shoigu.
The operational command of the RF Armed Forces is exercised by the country's General Staff. Its head at the moment is Army General Valery Gerasimov.
The General Staff carries out strategic planning for the use of the armed forces, as well as other law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation. This body is also involved in operational and mobilization training of the Russian army. If necessary, it is under the leadership of the General Staff that the mobilization deployment of the RF Armed Forces takes place.
Currently, the Russian Armed Forces include three types of troops:
Also an integral part of the RF Armed Forces are the following types of troops:
- Special troops.
The most numerous are the Ground Forces, which include the following types of troops:
- Tank;
- Air Defense Forces;
- Special troops.
Ground forces are the backbone of the modern Russian army; they are the ones who conduct ground operations, seize territories and inflict the main damage to the enemy.
The Aerospace Forces are the youngest branch of the Russian army. The decree on their formation was issued on August 1, 2015. The VKS were created on the basis of the Russian Air Force.
The Aerospace Forces includes the Air Force, consisting of army, front-line, long-range and military transport aviation. In addition, anti-aircraft missile forces and radio engineering troops are an integral part of the Air Force.
Another branch of the military that is part of the Aerospace Forces is the air defense and missile defense troops. Their tasks include warning of a missile attack, managing the orbital constellation of satellites, missile defense of the Russian capital, launching spacecraft, and testing various types of missile and aircraft equipment. The structure of these particular troops includes two cosmodromes: Plesetsk and Baikonur.
Another component of the Air Force is the Space Force.
The Navy is a branch of the armed forces that can conduct operations in the sea and ocean theaters of war. It is capable of delivering nuclear and conventional strikes against enemy sea and land targets, landing troops on the coast, protecting the economic interests of the country, and conducting search and rescue operations.
The Russian Navy includes surface and submarine forces, naval aviation, coastal troops and special forces units. The submarine forces of the Russian Navy can carry out strategic missions; they are armed with submarine missile carriers with ballistic nuclear missiles.
The coastal forces include units of the marine corps and missile and artillery coastal troops.
The Russian Navy includes four fleets: the Pacific, Black Sea, Baltic and Northern, as well as the Caspian Flotilla.
A separate branch of the military is the Strategic Missile Forces - this is the main component of Russia's nuclear forces. The Strategic Missile Forces are an instrument of global deterrence; it is a guarantee of a retaliatory strike in the event of a nuclear attack on our country. The main armament of the Strategic Missile Forces are strategic intercontinental missiles with mobile and silo-based nuclear warheads.
The Strategic Missile Forces include three missile armies (with headquarters in Omsk, Vladimir and Orenburg), the Kapustin Yar test site, research and educational institutions.
The airborne troops also belong to a separate branch of the military and are the reserve of the Commander-in-Chief. The first airborne units were formed in the USSR back in the early 30s. This branch of the military has always been considered the elite of the army, and it remains so to this day.
The Airborne Forces include airborne and air assault units: divisions, brigades and individual units. The main purpose of paratroopers is to conduct combat operations behind enemy lines. Today, the Russian Airborne Forces include five divisions, five brigades and a separate communications regiment, as well as specialized educational institutions and training centers.
The RF Armed Forces also include special troops. This name refers to the set of units that ensure the normal functioning of the Ground Forces, Aerospace Forces and Navy. Special troops include railway troops, medical service, road and pipeline troops, and topographic service. This branch of troops also includes special units of the GRU.
Territorial division of the RF Armed Forces
Currently, the territory of Russia is divided into four military districts: Western (headquarters in St. Petersburg), Central (headquarters in Yekaterinburg), Southern (Rostov-on-Don) and Eastern with headquarters in Khabarovsk.
In 2014, it was announced the formation of a new military structure - the North strategic command, whose task is to protect Russian state interests in the Arctic. In fact, this is another military district created on the basis of the Northern Fleet. It has land, air and naval components.
Armament of the Russian Army
Most types of weapons and military equipment that are currently used by the Russian army were developed and manufactured during the Soviet period. Tanks T-72, T-80, BTR-80, BMP-1, BMP-2 and BMP-3, BMD-1, BMD-2 and BMD-3 - all this was inherited by the Russian army from the USSR. The situation is similar with cannon and rocket artillery (MLRS Grad, Uragan, Smerch) and aviation (MiG-29, Su-27, Su-25 and Su-24). This is not to say that this technique is catastrophically outdated; it can be used in local conflicts against not very strong opponents. In addition, the USSR produced so many weapons and military equipment (63 thousand tanks, 86 thousand infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers) that they can be used for many years to come.
However, this technology is already significantly inferior to the latest analogues adopted by the armies of the United States, China and Western Europe.
Around the middle of the last decade, new types of military equipment began to enter service with the Russian army. Today, the process of rearmament is actively underway in the RF Armed Forces. Examples include the T-90 and T-14 Armata tanks, the Kurganets infantry fighting vehicle, the BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle, the BTR-82, the Tornado-G and Tornado-S MLRS, the tactical missile system " Iskander", the latest modifications of the Buk, Tor and Pantsir air defense systems. The aircraft fleet is being actively updated (Su-35, Su-30, Su-34). The Russian fifth-generation fighter PAK FA is being tested.
Currently, significant funds are being invested in the re-equipment of Russian strategic forces. Old missile systems, created back in the USSR, are gradually being taken off duty and replaced with new ones. New missiles are being developed (such as the Sarmat). The fourth generation missile-carrying submarines of the Borei project have been put into service. A new Bulava missile system was developed for them.
The Russian Navy is also being rearmed. According to the state weapons development program (2011-2020), the Russian Navy should include ten new nuclear submarines (both missile and multi-purpose), twenty diesel submarines (Varshavyanka and Lada projects), fourteen frigates ( projects 2230 and 13356) and more than fifty corvettes of different projects.
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The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are reliable protection of borders and a guarantor of the protection of the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It is clear that the political and economic sphere plays a significant role in the state, but only a combat-ready army can maintain peace in the state. History shows that only troops can prevent an aggressor from attacking another country.
The regular army of Russia is one of the leaders in the world in terms of the number of military personnel. In all world rankings of the world's armies, Russia ranks second, losing only to the US army. The size of the Russian army is determined and regulated by presidential decrees. According to the constitution, the President of the Russian Federation is simultaneously the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. According to official statistics (summer 2017), the size of the Russian army reaches 1,885,313 people, although the figure is floating, as demobilizations and conscriptions constantly occur. In case of war, Russia can field 62 million men liable for military service.
Combat potential and annual budget of the Russian Army
Since Russia has the status of a nuclear state, it has huge reserves of nuclear weapons, which serve as a guarantor of protection against any external aggression. All stages of the manufacture of nuclear weapons, as well as the receipt of raw materials and their delivery, take place on the territory of the Russian Federation. In addition, the nuclear weapons production cycle on the territory of the Russian Federation is closed.
The armament of the Russian army is updated every year; over the past five years, the process of replacing outdated weapons and equipment has gone much faster. Due to the fact that the Russian military-industrial complex today is one of the largest in the world, it provides almost one hundred percent of the army’s needs for weapons, equipment and various types of ammunition. The arsenal of weapons produced is extremely wide - from pistol cartridges to nuclear missiles.
The country's military-industrial complex not only fully meets the needs of the army, but is also the world's largest exporter of weapons and military equipment in the world. Every year, Russian-made equipment and weapons are sold for 10-20 billion dollars.
Although the official date of the creation of the Russian armed forces is May 7, 1992, it is not news to anyone that the modern regular army is not only the heir of the USSR Armed Forces, but also the successor of the glorious traditions of the Russian imperial army, whose age goes back hundreds of years.
Unlike the Soviet army, the regular army of modern Russia is formed not only by conscription, but also on a contract basis. State policy is aimed at increasing the number of contract soldiers who are professional warriors with experience. In 2017, the entire junior command staff of the Russian army consists of one hundred percent professionals.
The annual budget in 2015 was about 5.4% of the total GDP of the Russian Federation. At that time it was about 3.3 trillion rubles.
History of modern Russian armed forces
The history of the modern Russian army began on July 14, 1990. It was on this date that the first military department of Russia was formed. Although it was called the State Committee of the RSFSR to ensure interaction with the Ministry of Defense and the KGB, it was on its basis (after the putsch in August) that the Ministry of Defense of the RSFSR was formed.
After the collapse of the USSR, by decree of the first Russian President Boris Yeltsin, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were created. This decree dates back to May 7, 1992. Before this, the United Armed Forces of the CIS were created, but they did not last long.
Initially, the Russian army included all military units that were located on the territory of the Russian Federation. The total strength of the army at that time was about 2.8 million people. Although it seems that the army at that time was a formidable force, all the equipment and weapons were outdated.
Development of the Russian army in the period from 1992 to 2006
The 90s were difficult not only for the army, but for the entire country. Since funding almost completely stopped, officers began to leave the army en masse. Army property was massively sold and stolen. Most of the factories working for the military industry were forced to close due to lack of orders. All development of new weapons and military equipment was curtailed. The old equipment stood motionless, as all fuels and lubricants were stolen.
Already at this stage, plans emerged for the complete transfer of the Russian army to a contract basis, but problems with financing froze these plans for an indefinite period. Military service until 1993 was 2 years, after which it was reduced to 18 months. This relaxation lasted only 3 years, and after the start of the first Chechen campaign, the period of service in the Russian army increased to 2 years (in 1996).
The beginning of the first Chechen campaign in 1995 showed the complete unpreparedness of the Russian army to conduct full-scale hostilities. Not only did the troops have supply problems, but management was also uncoordinated. After this, the contract system in the army began to develop rapidly.
Already during the second Chechen campaign, the share of contract soldiers in combat units fighting on the territory of Chechnya reached 35 percent. Due to large losses among conscripts, in addition to contract soldiers, airborne units took part in the battles.
Division of all formations and units of the Russian Armed Forces into categories
Back in the early 90s, it was decided to divide all army units and units into several parts:
- Units of constant readiness, which must quickly begin to carry out military tasks that arise suddenly;
- Reduced strength units;
- All bases where military equipment and other weapons are stored;
- All cropped units.
With the advent of the 2000s, military reform to transfer the army to a contract basis was continued. It was decided to staff all permanent readiness units with contract soldiers, and the remaining units with conscript soldiers. The first regiment that was fully staffed with contract soldiers was the Pskov regiment of the airborne division.
2005 marked the beginning of the reform of military management in the Russian army. According to the doctrine of this reform, all armed forces of the Russian Federation were to be subordinate to three territorial commands. Defense Minister Serdyukov, who was appointed to the post of minister in 2007, actively advocated the introduction of territorial division.
Military reform of 2008
In 2008, the armed forces of the Russian Federation entered into an armed conflict in South Ossetia. This military operation showed a catastrophic situation in the army. The main problem turned out to be the insufficient mobility of military units and the lack of coordinated actions between different parts of the army.
After the end of this military campaign, it was decided:
- Urgently simplify the system of command and control of military units;
- Reduce the number of military districts from 6 to 4;
- Gradually increase funding for the army, thereby ensuring the renewal of the military equipment fleet.
Many of the plans were achieved:
- Military service has become a prestigious profession;
- The flow of funding made it possible to ensure the supply of new military equipment;
- Increased pay made it possible to attract a large number of professional contract soldiers into military service;
- The involvement of professionals in the command staff made it possible to significantly raise the level of training of all military divisions and regiments.
At the same time, it was decided to reorganize all divisions and regiments. The new units were called brigades, which existed until 2013. 2013 showed that military reform did not go as desired. Many points were revised again, and the brigades again began to be reorganized into divisions and regiments.
Structural division of the armed forces of the Russian Federation
According to the constitution, military service is the duty and responsibility of every citizen of the Russian Federation. The leadership of the armed forces (according to the same constitution) is entrusted to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who is the President of the Russian Federation. He is the head of the Security Council, which develops military doctrine and regulates the composition of the command of the Russian army.
Military conscription is controlled by the president, who signs a decree every year on the beginning and end of military conscription periods. All important documents relating to the areas of military cooperation, defense and state security are also signed by the President of Russia.
Management of the armed forces is entrusted to the Ministry of Defense, whose task is:
- Maintain troops in constant readiness;
- Development of the defense capability of the army through the purchase of the latest equipment and weapons;
- Solving various social issues related to the life of military personnel (housing construction and so on);
- Carrying out all kinds of events related to cooperation in the military sphere.
The current Minister of Defense is Sergei Shoigu, who was appointed to this position in 2012.
In addition to the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff participates in the management of the army. His task is the operational command of the armed forces of the Russian Federation. General Valery Gerasimov was appointed Chief of the General Staff.
The General Staff is engaged in planning the use of all law enforcement agencies of Russia. In addition, his task includes the mobilization and operational training of troops.
Troops within the armed forces of the Russian Federation
The composition of the troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation contains the following types of troops:
- Ground forces, which are the most numerous;
- Naval troops (or forces);
- Military Space Forces (formerly Air Force).
The composition of the Armed Forces will be incomplete if it does not include such types of troops as:
- VDV (airborne troops);
- Strategic missile forces;
- Special troops (they also include the famous GRU special reconnaissance units).
Each type of troops must carry out its tasks and flexibly interact with other branches of the military when carrying out combat missions.
Ground forces, their structure, tasks and strength
The ground forces are the most numerous among all types of troops of the Russian Federation. All ground military operations, the seizure of enemy territory and its clearing are their competence.
The ground forces include:
- The entire military-industrial complex, which provides weapons and military equipment to the Russian army;
- Motorized rifle troops, which are the most mobile type, capable of rapid response;
- Tank forces;
- Artillery troops (they also include missile troops);
- Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces;
- Special troops.
Since the basis of any world army is the ground forces (in some small countries this is the only branch of the military), Russia is no exception in this matter. Troops of this type have a rich history in Russia.
On October 1, military personnel of the ground forces celebrate their professional holiday. The history of this holiday dates back to the time of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was he who created the first regular army in Russia on October 1, 1550, and service in the army from that moment became the main occupation of servicemen.
The total number of ground forces in 2017 was 270 thousand people. The ground forces consist of 8 divisions, 147 brigades and 4 military bases. Since 2014, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation has been Oleg Leonidovich Salyukov.
All tasks and goals of the ground forces are divided into several categories:
- In peacetime, the main task of the ground forces is to maintain combat effectiveness and combat training of personnel. The troops are obliged to create the necessary reserves of weapons and military equipment that may be needed in the event of war. Also, ground forces must be in constant readiness for deployment;
- During a threatening period, military service is intense. The main tasks of the Ground Forces at this time are increasing numbers, preparing equipment for possible military conflicts, preparing personnel to conduct combat operations in exercises;
- During war, the main task of the Ground Forces is mobile deployment and repelling enemy attacks, as well as its complete defeat.
In 2017, the Ground Forces received a large amount of new military equipment. The trend towards updating the military equipment fleet is set for 2018.
Navy troops
The Russian Navy was founded in 1696 by a resolution of the Boyar Duma. The main role in this was played by Peter 1, who sought to turn Russia into a maritime power. October 30 is considered the founding day of the Navy. This holiday is celebrated annually.
The main task of the modern navy is to conduct various combat operations on the seas and oceans. In addition, the navy is capable of solving the following tasks:
- Deliver strikes on various enemy targets, and the strikes can be both conventional and nuclear;
- Engage in amphibious landings;
- Carry out naval blockades of enemy ports;
- Protect Russia's economic interests.
In addition, the navy can conduct various search and rescue operations.
The Russian Navy has a huge arsenal of modern weapons that can be used not only to strike close targets, but also capable of striking targets located hundreds of kilometers away from the fleet.
Like other types of troops, the Navy is capable of responding in the shortest possible time to changes in the military situation in the country and in a short time going into a state of full combat readiness to launch strikes.
In 2017, the Russian Navy purchased several new ships; in 2018, according to the naval modernization program, several more new ships will be put into operation. In total, by 2020 it is planned to purchase 40 new minesweepers.
In addition to surface forces, the navy includes:
- Submarine Force;
- All naval aviation;
- Coastal troops;
- Special forces (marines).
The Russian submarine fleet is one of the most modern forces of its kind in the world. He is capable of carrying out covert strikes against the enemy. In addition, missile submarines carry ballistic nuclear missiles on board. Since the location of nuclear missile carriers is strictly classified, they are a powerful deterrent for a possible aggressor. In the event of the outbreak of hostilities, the submarine fleet is capable of delivering sudden nuclear strikes of enormous force.
Russian Military Space Forces
The Russian Military Space Forces were formed in 2015, being the youngest type of troops in the entire Russian army. The creation of the Aerospace Forces took place on the basis of the Russian Air Force. In 2017, the Russian Aerospace Forces managed to overcome all the problems associated with the reorganization and began to update the aircraft fleet. For the period from 2018 to 2020, purchases of airplanes and helicopters will take place within the framework of the state program. In 2018, the long-awaited fifth-generation fighter, the SU-57, should enter service with the Aerospace Forces.
The VKS includes the following types of aviation:
- Army Aviation;
- Frontline aviation;
- Military transport aviation;
- Long-range aviation.
Air defense troops (except for the Air Defense Troops, which are part of the ground forces) and missile defense are also part of the Aerospace Forces.
Rocket Forces and Airborne Troops
The Strategic Missile Forces are the pride of the Russian army. It is in these troops that most of the country's nuclear potential is concentrated. The Strategic Missile Forces guarantee that any nuclear strike from a possible rival will not go unanswered. The main weapons of this type of troops are intercontinental nuclear missiles, capable of wiping out an entire country from the face of the earth.
Airborne troops are the dream of many young men who were called to the military registration and enlistment office for urgent conscription. Few people manage to fulfill their dream, since serving in the Airborne Forces requires ideal health and psychological stability. These criteria were created for a reason, because paratroopers have to operate behind enemy lines, without relying on support from other types of troops.
The Airborne Forces include not only airborne divisions, but also air assault divisions. Since the combat missions of paratroopers are extremely difficult, their training and training are particularly difficult.
Armament of the Russian army
Although funding for the Russian army has increased significantly in recent years, most military equipment is a legacy of the USSR era. Although this technology is of sufficient quality, progress does not stand still. The armies of the United States, NATO and even China have long overtaken Russia in the number of the latest models of military equipment that are in service in the army.
Recent years have been marked by the arrival of new types of military equipment into the Russian army. We can say that the renewal of the military equipment fleet is slowly but surely happening. Many Russian models of aircraft and tanks not only correspond to their foreign counterparts, but also surpass them in many ways.
The main problem that prevents modernization from being carried out quickly is insufficient funding. Although the share of GDP allocated to the defense industry by Russia is 5.3 percent, which is much more than what is allocated by the budgets of China and the United States, in dollar terms the amount is much lower (if compared with the United States, it is 9 times less).
Despite the difficult economic situation in the country, the state allocates a significant amount every year for the purchase of new military equipment.
One of the latest news that pleased the summer of 2017 was that the Russian defense industry has advanced so much in the field of high technology that it no longer needs foreign purchases of electronics. The new Russian army of 2017–2018 will depend only on supplies from domestic defense enterprises.
Military service in the army
Although since 1992 there has been talk about a complete transfer of the army to a contract basis, the question of how many serve in the army by conscription is still relevant. It is worth noting that the current period of military service is one year, which is the minimum period in the entire history of the Russian army.
Conscripts are summoned to a commission where they undergo a thorough medical examination. Based on the results of the examination, future soldiers receive fitness categories in accordance with their state of health.
Despite the fact that the Russian army went through a difficult period in the 90s and 2000s, now the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are able to repel any aggressor, since increased funding makes it possible to gradually update the fleet of military equipment.