The Russian military is growing at a faster pace than most analysts had expected, according to US General Christopher Cavoli, the commander of NATO troops in Europe. This was reported by the TASS news agency, citing a text of his opening address to the US Senate hearings.
General Cavoli is quoted as saying: “Russia is not only increasing its military personnel, but also replacing military equipment and ammunition at an unprecedented pace.”
According to his assessment, the Russian armed forces are now larger than they were at the beginning of the military special operation in Ukraine.
Cavoli elaborates: “Russia is expanding its industrial production, opening new production facilities and converting commercial production lines to meet military needs.”
As a result, it is expected that the Russian defense industry will likely produce 1,500 tanks, 3,000 armored vehicles and 200 operational-tactical missile complexes of the Iskander type this year. For comparison, the US produces only 135 tanks annually and no longer manufactures new Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, the NATO military chief emphasizes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had emphasized in a speech on the Defender of the Fatherland Day at the end of February that the Russian army will continue to be equipped with the latest weapons, developed based on the new combat experience gained. The strategic course of strengthening and developing the Russian Federation’s armed forces remains unchanged, Putin clarified.
“We will continue to improve the combat capabilities of the army and the navy” he said.