Russia has announced plans to spend about $592 billion on defense over the next three years, including more than $200 billion in 2027 alone, as it announces a fourth increase in the size of its armed forces in seven months and continues recruiting volunteers through direct contracts.
Force increase and continued direct contracting
The latest increase brought the size of Russia’s forces to about 2.44 million, including 1.55 million military personnel, after the addition of 15,500 troops, equivalent to 1% of the force. The move is part of a series of measures that began in 2022, including the creation of new military units and the expansion of military infrastructure amid the war with Ukraine and a changing security environment in Europe.
Russian authorities deny having plans for a new mobilization, while volunteers continue to be recruited into the army through direct contracts. Andrei Frolov, an expert with the Presidential Advisory Council for Security and Defense, said the Defense Ministry had recruited 400,000 fighters in 2024 and 2025 through volunteering and contracts, and about 200,000 more over short periods, reducing the need for a general mobilization that could have major social and economic repercussions.
Spending exceeds projections by about 27%
Defense spending plans exceed what had been projected for the period by about 27%. Frolov said the increase in spending did not necessarily mean a comparable expansion in armaments or military operations, because part of the allocation goes toward maintaining equipment deployed in the war.
Military expert Pavel Felgenhauer said the increase in spending was linked to Russia having been at war for five years and seeking victory, adding that the equipment and systems being purchased were going directly to the battlefield rather than being stored in preparation for another war. He ruled out the possibility that the plans reflected an intention to wage war on Europe.
Pressure on social projects and services
Felgenhauer warned that heavy military spending could cause future problems by affecting social projects and services provided to citizens, but said the government and members of the State Duma believed they were capable of managing those pressures.
Military assessments link the plans to increase troop numbers and spending to preparations for a prolonged period of regional instability, particularly if the war with Ukraine continues. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said that his country will continue strengthening its military infrastructure and preparing for any potential development involving Europe.
