Military of Russia
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| Military of Russia | |
|---|---|
| Name | Armed Forces of the Russian Federation |
| Native name | Вооружённые силы Российской Федерации |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Moscow |
| Commander in chief | Vladimir Putin |
| Minister | Sergei Shoigu |
| Chief of general staff | Valery Gerasimov |
| Active personnel | 1,000,000 |
| Reserve personnel | 2,000,000 |
| Percent gdp | 4.3% |
Military of Russia is the state armed apparatus responsible for the defense of Russian Federation territory, interests, and borders, inheriting institutions and forces from the Soviet Union and shaped by post-Soviet reforms, interventions such as in Chechnya and Ukraine, and strategic competition with NATO and United States. It combines legacy formations like the Red Army traditions with modernized units equipped through procurement programs involving companies such as Almaz-Antey and United Aircraft Corporation; key leaders include Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu, and Valery Gerasimov.
History
The roots trace to the Imperial Russian Army and the Soviet Armed Forces; pivotal moments include the Russian Revolution, the Russian Civil War, the Great Patriotic War, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Post-Soviet conflicts—First Chechen War, Second Chechen War, Russo-Georgian War, and the Russo-Ukrainian War—drove structural reforms, influenced by doctrines debated after incidents like the Beslan school siege and events such as the Khasavyurt Accord. Major reorganizations followed directives linked to Sergei Ivanov initiatives and the 2008 Kremlin-led military reform under Dmitry Medvedev, with subsequent modernization accelerated after the Crimea crisis and the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Organization and Command Structure
Command is centralized under the President of Russia as Commander-in-Chief, with civilian oversight by the Ministry of Defence (Russia) led by Sergei Shoigu and operational direction by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation headed by Valery Gerasimov. Major echelons include the five Military Districts of Russia: Western Military District, Southern Military District, Central Military District, Eastern Military District, and Northern Fleet as a de facto district; strategic forces are under the Strategic Missile Forces (Russia). Joint command integrates formations such as the Aerospace Forces (Russia), Ground Forces (Russia), Navy (Russia), Airborne Troops (Russia), and paramilitary elements like the National Guard of Russia and the Federal Security Service-linked units. Legal frameworks involve statutes promulgated by the State Duma and decrees from the Russian Constitution.
Branches and Forces
Components include the Ground Forces (Russia), Aerospace Forces (Russia), Navy (Russia), Strategic Missile Forces (Russia), Airborne Forces (Russia), and support elements such as the Logistics Support formations and the Military Police (Russia). Naval assets incorporate fleets: the Pacific Fleet, Black Sea Fleet, Northern Fleet, and Baltic Fleet; key maritime bases include Sevastopol and Vladivostok. Air components operate platforms from Sukhoi Su-57 to Mil Mi-8 helicopters, while ground units field systems like the T-90 and infantry fighting vehicles related to BMP lineage. Special operations derive from units influenced by Spetsnaz traditions and units formerly associated with the KGB or GRU.
Equipment and Modernization
Modernization programs focused on replacing Soviet-era systems with platforms produced by firms such as Uralvagonzavod, Rostec, Kalashnikov Concern, and United Shipbuilding Corporation. Key programs include procurement of T-14 Armata tanks, Sukhoi Su-57 fighters, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, S-400 and S-500 air defense systems, and Borei-class submarine ballistic missile submarines built by Sevmash. Efforts have upgraded command-and-control via GLONASS integration and battlefield sensors from contractors like KRET; logistics and attrition during operations in Syria and Ukraine exposed sustainment challenges, prompting reforms in maintenance, procurement transparency, and export policies administered by Rosoboronexport.
Doctrine and Operations
Doctrine evolved from Deep Operations and Soviet operational art to contemporary concepts articulated in the Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation and Basic Principles of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence. Emphasis lies on strategic deterrence via the Strategic Missile Forces (Russia), hybrid warfare combining cyber units linked to GRU and information operations referencing the Gerasimov Doctrine, rapid regional power projection exemplified in Crimea and Syria, and nuclear signaling through systems like Iskander-M and sea-based deterrents. Campaigns demonstrate combined-arms tactics drawing on lessons from World War II battles such as Stalingrad and modernization of command structures influenced by exercises like Zapad and Vostok.
Personnel and Training
Personnel include conscripts, contract servicemen, and reserve elements; institutions for professional development include the Moscow Higher Military Command School, Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, and service academies named after figures like Georgy Zhukov. Training occurs at ranges such as Mulino and Ashuluk and in international facilities during deployments to Syria and joint drills with partners like Belarus. Recruitment, morale, and veteran affairs link to legislation passed by the State Duma and social programs administered by the Ministry of Defence (Russia); notable cultural influences include commemorations of Victory Day and honors like the Hero of the Russian Federation.
International Deployments and Arms Exports
Overseas operations range from the intervention in Syria supporting Syrian Arab Republic forces to military presence in Crimea and operations in Donbas; cooperative engagements include peacekeeping in Transnistria and basing agreements with Tajikistan and Armenia. Arms exports are a major tool of policy managed by Rosoboronexport, supplying systems to India, China, Algeria, Egypt, and Vietnam, among others; notable deals include S-400 sales and submarine transfers tied to Sevmash production. Sanctions and export controls imposed by entities such as the European Union and United States have influenced procurement, prompting shifts toward indigenization and partnerships with countries under similar restrictions.