ABSTRACT
The national and international profile of Russia’s armed forces has risen over the past year. The military operation in Georgia in August undoubtedly improved the army’s image within Russia, though it also revealed structural and technological weaknesses. Meanwhile, the Russian Navy and Air Force have deployed in areas of the world where there has not been a significant Russian military presence for some time, though these deployments have more to do with the harder line in Moscow’s dealings with the US and its allies than with substantial improvements to military training or capabilities. While they may be an indication that increased funding is being made available to the armed forces, overall, progress in modernisation and reform remains slow. Russia’s declared defence policy remains based on traditional notions of national defence and there is minimal commitment to international peace-support operations, although President Dmitry Medvedev has indicated a desire for a greater focus on this type of capability in order to assist in raising Russia’s international profile. Defence-budget funding for peacekeeping was increased in 2008 to reflect this aspiration.
