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Russia ceased to be a viable competitor to the US since 1992 and that much of the defense capabilities of Russia are out-of-date, the country still boasts development of numerous state-of-the-art military technologies which it has fielded at various trade shows. Therefore, Russia's defense capabilities are not to be underestimated. 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.

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