Feanor

I've always considered the few purchases of new equipment, and expansion of the military by Putin to be little more then PR stunts. I've kept up with this opinion despite running into more and more instances of it. Finally this was the straw that broke the camels back and left me feeling confused.

''In 2007, the Russian Army placed an order with Kurganmashzavod for a number of new-build BMP-3 vehicles.''

Army Technology - BMP 3 - Tracked Infantry Combat Vehicle

So I started to look around.

''The vehicle is in production and the Russian Army ordered 100 in 2006.'' [BTR-80]

Army Technology - BTR 80 - Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers

''The system is undergoing trials with the Russian Air Force, with first deliveries of production systems due in 2008.'' [in reference to pantsyr 1, a further development of the Tunguska line it seems]

Army Technology - Pantsyr S1 - Air Defense Missile / Gun System

So then I decided to take a look at all the weapon orders Russia has made for 2006 and 2007, that I could dig up.

A single battallion of S-400 Triumf seems to have entered service late this summer.
SA-21 GROWLER / S400 Triumph Long Range TABM/SAM | Russian Arms, Military Technology, Analysis of Russia's Military Forces

''Russia has deployed an S-400 battalion to guard the airspace around the capital, Moscow.''

RIA Novosti - Russia - Russia unlikely to export S-400 SAM systems any time soon - source

''The Russian Air Force has ordered an initial 18 Su-34 aircraft, with a total requirement for up to 200 aircraft. The first two production aircraft were delivered to the Russian Air Force in December 2006. The Su-34 is expected to enter operational service in 2010.''

Air Force Technology - Su-34 (Su 27IB) Flanker - Fighter Bomber Aircraft

''Production has since been restarted and a Tu-160 was delivered to the Russian Air Force in May 2000. 14 aircraft are now in service in Russia.

One unarmed aircraft crashed in September 2003, the first crash since the aircraft entered service. Two aircraft are under construction and the first is to be delivered to the Russian Air Force in 2007. ''

''Kazan Aircraft Production Organisation (KAPO) has been given a contract to upgrade the Russian Air Force's 15 Tu-160 bombers. The Tupolev upgrade package will include new targeting systems, upgraded cruise missiles and electronic warfare suite. The first upgraded aircraft was delivered in July 2006.''

Air Force Technology - Tu-160 Blackjack - Strategic Bomber

So I ask the military specialists, analysts, and professionals on the board; are these signs of a genuine military revival? Or is this all empty words, underfunded programs, and an attempt to use the semblance of military power for political motives?

zraver

Obviously if your searches are accurate they are not at high enough levels to really rebuild the Russian Army, but there is the question of budget. Where is the money going? We know the money is being spent, and if its not on new equipment, is it on training or RnD?

new equipment at least among the ground forces is probably a low priority. it is easier to use Soviet equipment while Russia develops modern technologies and weapons. If Russia builds to soon and only reaches parity just as the West goes through thier next series of upgrades then she hasn't gained anything with her petrodollars. However if she waits until she has systems primarily electronics and munitions that are truly comparable to the next generation of Western gear then she can close the gap and really make the West nervous.

Feanor

It's not these specific purchases, it's the re-opening of production lines. Su-34s have only started production in 2006. 6 more are supposed to be delivered in '07. The Blackjacks are not only being produced, they're also being modernized. This could be the beginning of a major re-armament of the Russian Army. Then again there is the question of doctrinal developments.

VarSity

Whilst I admit I have not done alot of research, I tend to think most of this is smoke and mirrors.