The Comparison of Russian and US Military Funding and Technology: A Comprehensive Analysis

When it comes to comparing the Russian military and the US military, one can get a good sense of the current state of their military might by examining the funding allocated to their armed forces. This article delves into the specifics of military personnel funding, the overall military budgets, and the implications on technology and equipment procurement. We will also explore the disparities between the two nations and analyze the real-world implications of their funding limitations.

Personnel Funding and Pain Points

A critical aspect to consider is the funding allocated to the personnel. The internet suggests that the average salary for Russian military personnel is around 50,000 rubles per year (approximately $700 USD). With approximately 850,000 active military personnel, Russia spends around 425 billion rubles ($6 billion USD) annually on salaries. In contrast, the United States has around 1,300,000 active military personnel and an average salary of 60,000 USD per year, resulting in a yearly payroll expenditure of about 78 billion USD. This nearly 5.5 billion USD extra represents the cost of sustaining around half a million more soldiers and slightly higher salaries.

Comparing Military Budgets

Another key factor is the overall military budget of each nation. In Russia, 68.89% of its 617 billion USD annual military budget is allocated to personnel. This leaves approximately 19.2 billion USD for maintenance and procurement of new hardware. In the US, the 42.5 billion USD spent on salaries represents 5.46% of its 778 billion USD military budget, leaving nearly 82% of the budget for equipment and maintenance. If we consider the procurement of 15 F-35s per year, this would cost about 13.3 billion USD annually, which is 1.7% of the US military budget.

Expensive Procurements and Cost Constraints

The expense of producing and maintaining advanced equipment such as the Su-57 fighter jets and T-14 tanks poses significant financial challenges. Producing 15 Su-57s per year would cost 0.6 billion USD, while the original plan to produce 2,300 T-14 tanks by 2025 would have required an annual allocation of 1.7 billion USD. The combined cost of these two systems would have been around 2.3 billion USD per year, which is a substantial portion of Russia's yearly military budget.

As a result, the Russian military is now paying the price of these technological ambitions. The T-14 tank, for example, is one of the most advanced tanks in the world, but production numbers are extremely limited. Only about 20 of the test models from parades have been handed over to the Russian army for further testing, while the rest of the cheaper tank models receive some upgrades, though not enough to compensate for the large inventory of older tanks.

Disparity and Realities of Funding

This makes it clear that the disparity between the Russian and US military funding is not just a matter of absolute figures but also a question of allocation. While the average salary numbers may indicate a significant shortfall in Russian military funds, it is possible that the upper echelons of the military leadership benefit from higher salaries, enabling Russia to cut costs in other areas.

For instance, Russia may be spending around 20 billion USD annually on personnel, which leaves more room for maintenance and acquisition. However, the overall cost of maintaining and improving existing technology and acquiring new systems remains a challenge. This can explain why Russia has not produced more T-14 tanks since the first batch of prototypes and why it took years to produce only 4 production planes of the Su-57 with one crashing during testing.

Thus, the funding realities and constraints faced by the Russian military underscore the need for strategic and careful allocation of resources in a world where advanced technology comes at a steep price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Russian military faces significant financial challenges, its overall strategic objectives and technological advancements are not entirely unattainable. Understanding the dynamics of funding and technology procurement can provide valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to modernize and sustain the Russian military in a competitive global landscape.