Russian spending on military equipment is expected to amount to RUB1.44 trillion (USD21.6 billion) in 2019, defence minister Sergei Shoigu announced on 15 January.
The funding level for 2019, referred to as the State Defence Order (SDO), represents a 4% reduction compared with 2018, when about RUB1.5 trillion was allocated.
Funding for the 10-year State Armament Programme has dropped by 4% in 2019. (IHS Markit/Russian Government)
Shoigu revealed the information during a conference call with the Russian armed forces’ senior leadership, stating that 71% of the funds would be allocated for the procurement of new military equipment. SDO funds are provided to finance the development, procurement, modernisation, and repair of equipment for the Russian armed forces.
The defence minister also stated that the Russian military will focus upon five main areas in 2019: the strengthening of strategic forces; improving the quality of operational training; further development of command and control, intelligence, and electronic warfare capabilities; the implementation of the State Armament Programme (SAP); and co-operation with allies.
As part of the modernisation of strategic missile forces, Russia plans to re-equip four regiments with the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system and a single regiment with the Avangard (Vanguard) hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) during the course of 2019. The modernisation of Tupolev Tu-160 ‘Blackjack’ and Tupolev Tu-95MS ‘Bear-H’ strategic bombers will also continue, while the Borei-class ballistic nuclear submarine (SSBN), Knyaz Vladimir , is also set to enter service with the Russian Navy.
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