Russia will not postpone spring draft over coronavirus fears
The Russian Armed Forces is proceeding with its spring draft between 1 April and 15 July, despite the ongoing global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Defence minister Sergei Shoigu said on 20 March: ‘We have paid special attention to the upcoming draft. It will take place in strict compliance with the federal law, in the planned time span.’
Russia continues to push ahead with the testing of a range of weapons including hypersonic missiles and artillery systems whilst western militaries pivot to face the domestic challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe and North America.
Russia has a reported infection count of approximately 200 confirmed coronavirus cases.
More from Defence Notes
-
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.