03.10.2008
Russian Military Obzor
June-September 
Russian helicopters on
military exercises, 2008. |
The following resource is meant to give readers an overview of the Russian military through a look at news reports issued from June to September of 2008. SRAS decided to follow and collect this news after the US Department of Defense named Russia as a significant threat in its Annual National Defense Strategy. We hope to make this a regular quarterly publication. For more obzori (news reviews) on other issues, see the newsletter for this corresponding month.
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Russia is weak, but still a possible threat U.S. Department of Defense: National Defense Strategy 2008
Russia's retreat from openness and democracy could have significant security implications for the United States, our European allies, and our partners in other regions. The U.S. suggesting that the alliance defend itself against Russia
U.S. Secretary of Defense called on NATO states to build up their arms potential, claiming that the present level of the alliance's demilitarization has gone "as real or perceived weakness". U.S. Says Russia Too Weak for Cold War
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza stated that Russia is too weak for a new cold war with the United States. Washington Casts Doubt on Russian Navy's Abilities
Commenting on plans for Russian-Venezuelan naval exercises, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack quipped that "they found a few ships that can make it that far." Top U.S. Officer Pleads for Cooperation With Moscow
"I believe we've got to have a relationship with Russia," Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in Los Angeles. U.S. Threatens Russia with War
Russia will encounter a violent response, if it attacks Georgia after it joins NATO, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced on Thursday. Modernization
Russia is spending, but is it enough? Medvedev says crisis will not harm Russian army modernization
"Regardless of any crisis we should build new submarines, should simply deal with the modernisation of the armed forces." Russia's New Strategy
Bombastic rhetoric notwithstanding, Russia's military plans are a long way from sounding credible to anyone who has ever seen them up close. Russia faces an aging defense industry
The Russian defense industry, which scored some major achievements last year, still faces major problems. Russia's weapons industry shows its age
What was billed as the latest in Russian military aircraft technology, the Su-35 fighter jet is only an upgrade of a 20-year-old model - and it can't match the speed and stealth of the latest U.S. fighter, the F-22 Raptor, which entered service in 2005. Russia prioritizes nuclear triad, hi-tech weaponry in future wars
The nuclear triad of ballistic missiles, nuclear-powered submarines and strategic bombers will remain the core of the Russian armed forces for the next two decades, a draft military doctrine says. Armed With Nukes and a Vague Plan
The primary problem seems to boil down to the lack of a clear vision of what kind of armed forces Russia actually needs. New Armed Force Coming to Russia
A qualitatively new form of armed service will appear in Russia based on aerospace defense, Russian Air Force main commander Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin told journalists today. Russia's Army to Rely on Nanotechnology, Draftees till 2030
The draft concept of the RF Armed Forces construction elaborated till 2030 doesn't provide for the cancellation of draft service, Gazeta reported Friday. Defense Ministry Withdraws Assets to Rear
President Dmitry Medvedev inked yesterday the decree on establishment of Oboronservis that will consolidate all business enterprises of the RF Defense Ministry. Post S. Ossetia Commentary S Ossetia Conflict Proves Some Changes In Russian Army Wrong
The latest "Georgian conflict" has proved some of the changes in the Russian Armed Forces wrong, said the president of the Russian Academy of Military Sciences. War reveals Russia's military might and weakness
Russia's lightning war against Georgia looks like a military triumph… Conflict Exposes Obsolete Hardware
While Georgia's armed forces operated Soviet-era T-72 tanks and Su-25 attack planes, both were upgraded with equipment such as night-vision systems to make them technologically superior to similar models operated by the Russian Ground Forces. Russia's Western Presence
Russia boosts visibility, alliances in Latin America Russia: Dipping into the Revenue Candy Jar
So far, there is no hint that Russia hopes to restart the Soviet strategy of sending massive subsidies to proxies on different continents. Russia mobilizes Latin America for war against the U.S.
Since the war in Georgia, Russia has been much more active in Latin America. The price of the question
There is considerable speculation surrounding Russia's relations with Latin America, including Venezuela, right now. Conspiracy theorists are having a field day. Igor Sechin Linked Up Nicaragua
The last stop in the region was Nicaragua was the first country in the world that recognized independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia other than Russia. In return, Russia will help Nicaragua with hydroelectric energy and crude oil exploration in the ocean's shelf. Russian Bombers in Cuba? Putin says Russia needs to go back to Cuba: media
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Monday said it was time for Russia to rebuild links with former Cold War ally Cuba, news agencies reported. U.S. General Warns Russia on Nuclear Bombers in Cuba
Russia would cross "a red line for the United States of America" if it were to base nuclear capable bombers in Cuba, a top US air force officer warned on Tuesday. State Dept. Says "Good Thing" No Bombers in Cuba
State Department acting deputy spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos called it "a very good thing" that the report of the planes was false. Russia spends big on Venezuela Russia ratchets up US tensions with arms sales to Iran and Venezuela
Russia has already delivered 29 Tor-M1 missile systems under a $700 million (£386 million) deal with Iran in 2005. Chavez Threatened Washington by Russia's Bombers
Russia's Tu-160 strategic bombers that landed at the military air base Libertador, Venezuela, are a sort of warning to the U.S. empire, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez vowed. Venezuela May Get Atomic Energy
Russia will consider the possibility of working with Venezuela in the area of atomic energy, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced. Chavez to Buy Russia's Weapons for $5bn
The size of military and technical cooperation of Russia and Venezuela may reach $5 billion in the nearest ten years Chavez' Defense Includes Russian Tanks
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has announced that he intends to buy Russian weapons, including tanks, during his coming visit to Russia. The Fleet Has Sailed
Among the ships that are participating in the exercises with the Venezuelans are the heavy atomic missile cruiser and squadron leader Peter the Great and the antisubmarine warship Admiral. U.S. Fleet to Watch Russia's Bombers
The U.S. Navy's Fourth Fleet commander said they are keeping an eye on Russia's Tu-160 bombers that landed in Venezuela September 10, The Associated Press reported. Russia to Lend Venezuela $1bn for Military Cooperation
Russia will grant a $1-billion loan to Venezuela to implement the program of bilateral military cooperation. Nuclear
Russia still number two U.S. needs to start a new START agreement
Referred to by shorthand as a "123 agreement," after the section of the 1954 Atomic Energy Act, this agreement will become law if Congress does not act to amend or reject it. U.S., Russia must unite to lessen nuclear dangers
Russia is our most important partner in preventing nuclear catastrophe. Fears of US-Russia breakdown on WMD dismantlement
The authors of a U.S. program designed to secure weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union say they worry that deteriorating relations between the United States and Russia could undermine efforts to keep the weapons out of the hands of terrorists. Russian lawmakers OK US weapons dismantling deal
The State Duma, voted 336-9 with four abstensions to approve two protocols to the 1992 U.S.-Russian agreement on safe transportation, storage and disposal of weapons. On Russian Disarmament, Candidates Agree
Both John McCain and Barack Obama have called for a reduction in Russia's nuclear arsenal, but McCain has taken a tougher stance against Russia politically. Bush Administration Recalled Nuclear Pact with Russia
In line with expectations, the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush has recalled from the Congress the civilian nuclear pact with Russia. Military Alliances
Russia proposes a new military organization Russia May Break NATO Ties
Russia may sever ties with NATO, if Georgia receives a membership action plan, Russian permanent representative at that organization Dmitry Rogozin stated. Lavrov Calls for New European Security Treaty
Russia advocates negotiating a new treaty on European and Atlantic security that will cover NATO, the EU, OSCE as well as the security structures of the post-Soviet territory. CSTO to Create Big Group of Forces in Central Asia
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) intends to create a large military group of forces in Central Asia. Turkey Plays to Russia in Caucasus
The alliance will strengthen the Caucasus standing of Moscow and Ankara and weaken the position of Washington there. Rocketry and Space
Russia boosts space funding, tests new rocket GLONASS Gets a Shot of Military Funding
The Russian government has allocated an additional 67 billion rubles to the GLONASS global navigation system program. Russia Test-Fires Ballistic Missile 6,700 Kilometers to Pacific
Russia successfully fired its newest intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine located in the White Sea to a target on the Pacific coast 6,700 kilometers (4,200 miles) away, the military said. Russia Launched Persona to Get HR Shots for Intelligence
Russia's Space Forces placed in orbit a new military satellite, Persona N1, and ended a seven-year break in transmitting high resolution shots. Most Powerful Strategic RS-20 to Remain In Inventory
Russia's RS-20 (Satan) Missiles will remain in inventory at least till 2014. Russia to Monitor Space from Tadjikistan
Tadjikistan will transfer to Russia Nurek optical-electronic station designed for space monitoring to pay debts owed to Russia. Russia Proposes Space Weapons Ban
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed that he and his European counterparts work out measures to prevent arms from reaching space. Ground Forces and Command
Long a visible weak spot, Russia tries to shine up Brighter Uniforms, Better Food for Soldiers
Russian soldiers will soon have new uniforms and shoes in place of boots. They will also eat buffet-style and drink coffee. Military Justice in Post-Soviet Russia
An issue of The Journal of Power Institutions in Post-Soviet Societies was devoted to this topic. Rapping soldier to Siberia
A Russian soldier is posted to Siberia after his online video criticizes living conditions. CNN's Matthew Chance reports. 76,000 Celebrate Trooper Day in Russia
About 76,000 former storm troopers took part in the celebration of the professional holiday Storm Troopers Day on August 2. Russia Develops Super Tank
Designers of Uralvagonzavod plant in Nizhni Tagil are developing a super tank, which combat characteristics will exceed the characteristics of missile-armed gun tank T-90S. Russia's President, Defense Minister Determined the Strength of Military in Caucasus
Each of the republics will have roughly 3,800 soldiers and officers. Official Sold Military Plant Cheap
The Central District Court of Khabarovsk has sentenced Yulia Demyanenko to five years' suspended sentence for exceeding her authority. Naval Forces
Patrols and new hardware Russia's Navy Resumed Presence Near Spitsbergen
Russia's Navy has resumed presence in Spitsbergen area, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the news service of the RF Navy. Russian Warships Exercise in Atlantic
Joint exercises with Venezuelan ships will be held in the Atlantic Ocean in November of this year as part of the military preparedness plan. Russia's Navy Sets Up A Force of NG Nuclear Submarines
Constructing nuclear multipurpose and strategic submarines of the fourth generation is the absolute priority of Navy's development. Fleets Will Have Aircraft Carrier Groups
The Northern and Pacific Ocean Fleets of the Russian Navy will create five or six groups of aircraft carriers. Russia's Navy to Have New Amphibian Aircraft
The RF Navy will have the first amphibian A-42 in 2010. Air Forces
Upgrades and crashes Russia's Long-Range Jets to Reach Indian Ocean
Officers in the RF Air Force are deliberating on potential flights of strategic jets to the Indian Ocean where they would interact with Russia's Navy. Fighter Jet Crashes after Repairs
A Russian Air Force Su-27 fighter jet crashed yesterday in Maritime Territory. One of its pilots, deputy squadron commander Maj. Sergey Levchenko, was killed. Russian Army Gets New Drones
The Vega Radio Engineering Corp. has begun delivery of Tipchak unpiloted recognizance complexes to the Russian armed forces. Russian Ship Leaves to Patrol Atlantic
A patrol ship set sail Wednesday from Baltiisk, the main port of the Russian Baltic Fleet to patrol the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Why the Sea Is Boiling Hot
The great English writer Lewis Carroll wrote of "shoes, and ships, and sealing wax, of cabbages, and kings." Let's follow his example and speak of ships, specifically, the Russian naval fleet. 4 Russian Warships to Dock in Libya
The four warships that Russia is sending to Venezuela in its first deployment of military power to the Western Hemisphere since the Cold War also will visit Libya. Missile Defence
and reaction to US system in Poland U.S. shield move threatens European security: Russia
Russia threatened to retaliate by military means after a deal with the Czech Republic brought the US missile defence system in Europe a step closer. Russia Is Waiting for Answers about U.S. Missile Defense
Russia is waiting for American proposals on strategic arms control, which will be essential once the SALT-2 treaty expires in December 2009. U.S. missile shield in Europe bad for all sides
The United States and the Czech Republic have signed an agreement on the deployment of a missile tracking radar. Russia to Respond to U.S. Missile Defense Shield in Europe via Belarus
Russia may station Iskander missile systems and strategic bombers in Belarus in response to deployment of the U.S. missile defense shield Russia to Set Up Missile Defense Sites in Caucasus, Middle Asia
It is necessary to create in the near term united regional systems of missile defense in the Caucasus and Middle Asia, Russia's Air Force Commander-in-Chief General-Colonel Alexander Zelin announced August 5. SCTO Creates Military Infrastructure on Borders
The states of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will set up a new military infrastructure on borders in response to deployment of the U.S. missile-defense shield. Lavrov Goes to Poland to Deliberate
Lavrov will attempt to persuade Polish leadership to soften its standing in respect of Russia, but the sources with the diplomatic community doubt the success of this undertaking. The Arctic
Another "frozen" conflict? Russia plans military build-up in the Arctic
Russia has raised the stakes in the international scramble for the Arctic by announcing it will boost its military presence in the region to protect its "national interests." Russian warships to patrol Arctic again
Russia announced Monday that it is sending warships to patrol Arctic waters for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Russia Denies Unilateral Division of Arctic
The RF Foreign Ministry has denied accusations of the attempts to unilaterally divide the Arctic. Russian Army Trains for Arctic Combat to Defend Resource Claim
"After the heads of several countries disputed Russia's rights to the resource-rich Arctic Ocean shelf," the military "immediately" began adapting its training plans for units. Other Arms Sales
(to countries outside Latin America - see above) Russian arms exports to exceed $8.5 bln in 2008
Russia has doubled annual arms exports since 2000 to $7 billion last year, becoming the world's second-largest exporter of conventional arms after the United States. Russia, China resume talks on military transport planes
According to the 2005 contract between Rosoboronexport and China's Defense Ministry, worth $1.5 billion, Russia was supposed to deliver 34 Il-76 Candid medium-range military transport aircraft and four Il-78 Midas aerial refueling tankers. The Sino-Russia Il-76 Row
For some time, military cooperation between China and Russia has been stalled over a failed deal involving China's import of Russian Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft. China claims that Russia violated the terms of an agreement involving the sale of 38 aircraft. But Russia says this claim is unfair. India buying 347 Russian T-90 tanks
India confirmed it will purchase 347 T-90 battle tanks from Russia and said it will consider a demand from Moscow that it pay an additional US$1.2 billion because of delays in a deal for a Soviet-built aircraft carrier and 16 fighter jets. Russia Displays Weapons in Africa
More than 250 examples of Russian weapons and military equipment will be displayed by Rosoboronexport at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2008. Jordan Needs More Weapons of Russia
Moscow is ready to cooperate, expecting the king to attract Russia's companies to civil projects in return. India to Order 29 MiG-29Ks in Russia
India intends to order additional consignment of 29 MiG-29Ks in Russia. The cost of the order is estimated at around $2 billion. China and India Make Smerch Rockets
Rosoboronexport is preparing to transfer the technology for the production of elements of the Smerch multiple launch rocket system to China and to give India a license for its production. Other Gorbachev alarmed by growing militarization of U.S. policy
Gorbachev voiced alarm over the United States' increasing tendency to seek military solutions to political problems in an appeal to presidential candidates. Russia will not be drawn into new arms race
Russia's president set out new foreign policy guidelines on Tuesday, stating that the country would resist being pulled into a new arms race and criticizing NATO's ongoing expansion, the Kremlin said. A Return to Arms Control
No matter who wins in November, treaties are back.
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