What Russia’s defence budget means for the Ukraine conflict
Russia is increasing its planned defence and national security spending significantly in 2023 and 2024. (Photo: Russian MoD)
Russia is increasing spending significantly compared to previous expectations, with some 9.4 trillion roubles allocated for 2023 across defence and national security.
The draft federal budget submitted on 29 September to Russia’s State Duma shows a significant increase in defence spending and highlights different trends for national defence and national security and law enforcement.
According to the draft budget, national defence expenditure is planned to grow to RUB4,981 trillion ($80.9 billion) in 2023, with RUB4,648 trillion ($75.6 billion) in 2024 and RUB4,208 trillion Rubles ($68.4 billion) in 2025.
The figures indicate a significant increase compared to previous numbers cited. The proposed expenditure shows an increase of 43% for 2023 followed by lower growth of 29% in 2024 and then matches the previously expected
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Ukraine turns legacy Kongsberg land turrets into semi-autonomous USV weapons]()
Ukraine turns legacy Kongsberg land turrets into semi-autonomous USV weapons
The company told Shephard that Ukraine is operating modified Protector weapon stations originally supplied for armoured vehicles, with human operators authorising engagements from hundreds of kilometres away.
-
![UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour]()
UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour
A report from the Council on Geostrategy argues the UK should move away from a traditional balanced force and shift investment to naval, air and space capabilities, backed by a larger fleet of attack submarines and deeper AUKUS integration.
-
![Thales: deployment speed to determine winners in ‘production versus production’ era]()
Thales: deployment speed to determine winners in ‘production versus production’ era
At its technology summit in London, attended by Shephard, Thales UK examined the importance of speed to delivery, the growing focus on cross-domain capabilities and how procurement reform could be crucial for future battlefield advantage.
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
