Russia's Investment in Military Technology

DESCRIPTION

Russia inherited most of the defense industry of the Soviet Union. While many analysts suggest that Russia ceased to be a viable competitor to the US since 1992 and that much of the defense capabilities of Russia are out-of-date, the country still boasts development of numerous state-of-the-art military technologies which it has fielded at various trade shows. Since 2000, the country’s military budget has increased six times. Russia still maintains one of the strongest nuclear arsenals on the planet.

Russia has also been increasing salaries for it’s military personnel and allocated an additional $170 billion budget for three years (2009-2011) to the enhancement of its defense industry. Russia's stance toward developing its military capabilities will have a strong bearing on the geopolitical climate going forward.

ENABLERS

- Russian export of military technology to other countries is an important source of currency

- Breakdown in Russo-Chinese relations (link to driving force)

- Russia’s growing assertiveness in it’s neighbouring states (especially former soviet states) to gain more control, and also to counter US military presence in the region.

- Significant reduction in the country’s foreign debt freeing up funds for investment

- Russia's Multipolar military doctrine

INHIBITORS

- Efforts in the 90s and 2000s to convert the defense industry to civilian use. This also led to migration of some of the country’s top engineers and scientists into other fields.

- Corruption is a major impediment to the productivity of Russian investments in defense technology

- The history of the soviet times serves as a reminder that Russia ought not to get into an arms race again.

PARADIGMS

While Russia continues to invest in military technology and looks to maintain its presence as a force to be reckoned with, the influence and power that Russia will be able to exert will be limited to using its nuclear capabilities as a mere deterrant and Russia's technological defense capabilities will continue to shrink relative to countries like the US and China.

Web Resources

Russian Military Budget
Russian Military Technology Fights Back