Introduction

This chapter provides an indepth analysis of the Russian army’s current conventional capabilities and deployments in those geographic areas of interest to Western Europe. It looks at the Russian army’s post-2008 reform process. The chapter also provides an understanding of the dangers posed by the evolving Russian military posture, and explores how they are perceived by the established and newer NATO member states. However Russia’s pursuit of the ability to concentrate forces for short, sharp operations and achieve operational goals before large-scale opposing forces can respond has involved revitalising the army’s capability to conduct specifically offensive operations. The chapter describes only the areas with direct implications for European security, including the Arctic. It also argues that the land forces deployment patterns reveal Moscow’s perceived insecurity, as they are focused first on Kaliningrad, occupied Crimea and the Arctic. The Russian armed forces needed to be streamlined to avoid duplication of functions.