ABSTRACT
Modernization is the political slogan of the moment in Russia. While plans for modernization are aimed particularly at the development of the Russian economy, the modernization of the Russian armed forces is an important aspect of the process. Current military modernization includes serious departures from Soviet strategies and structures. Planned reforms encompass the move from a conscript army to a professional force; from mobilization to permanent readiness; and from low-tech to high-tech. Some significant changes, such as the move from divisions to brigades or severe cuts in the size of the officer corps, have already been implemented at impressive speed. This has led to a magnitude of transformation ‘unparalleled in the history of the Russian armed forces since the end of World War II’ (McDermott 2009). Some longer-term objectives of military reform, however, will be more difficult to achieve. Complex problems not directly related to the military will need to be tackled if the armed forces are to be truly transformed. As discussed elsewhere in this volume, such problems include the global economic crisis and related financial restraints, as well as the Russian defence industry’s inability to deliver modern equipment in sufficient quality and quantity.
