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Here are some facts about Russia's military size



helicopter drones

If you are curious about Russia's military size, you have come to the right spot. Find out the size of Russia's Army, the number and type of soldiers in each battalion, as well the number and type of aircraft. The structure and components of the Russian military forces will also be explained.

Russian armed forces

Although the Russian armed forces may be one million strong, they are actually much smaller. According to 2016 statistics, the Russian armed forces had seventy per cent of their full strength. The numbers could fall even further by 2022. There are currently 168 tactical battalion groups consisting of between eight hundred and a thousand soldiers or officers. This is far below the 168,000 Russian armed force that are combat capable. A further 100 000 reserve personnel are available.


drone helicopter

Structure of its armed forces

Russia's armed forces are composed of different types of units and associations. Among these are special forces and operational-strategic associations. The latter are headed by a regular command body, while the former are composed of lower-level associations. Each one is different and organized into army, military districts, or strategic territorial organizations.

Each battalion's number of troops

The Kremlin directed that every federal region create a four-hundred-man battalion. It also created volunteer regiments to increase the army's manpower. These volunteers will go through two to four weeks training before they can be sent to battle. The volunteers must be between 18 and 60 and have expunged criminal records. Veterans are granted the right to receive a monthly wage and veteran status after serving in the Army.


Number of aircraft

Russia has a small military fleet compared with other countries. For instance, a modern fighter jet has a lower inventory than a trainer aircraft. Nonetheless, the total number of aircraft in Russia's fleet gives an indication of its airborne military capability.

Numerous helicopters

Recent budget increases by the Russian military have allowed it to purchase additional aircraft. The Russian military currently has 440 aircraft. There are also hundreds of helicopters and over 200 drones. These new additions are designed to improve the Russian military's capability in the air.


a drone

Nuclear arsenal

The Russian nuclear arsenal includes both tactical and strategic weapons. Russia has a wide range of non-strategic nuclear weapons, including missiles capable carrying nuclear warheads of up to 100 kilotons. These weapons are often called Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles, which have proven their effectiveness against conventional forces. The Iskander-M is capable of reaching 480 kilometres or nearly three-quarters of the route to Kiev.





Here are some facts about Russia's military size