Image Credits : The Wall Street Journal
Russia has announced an upgrade to its military capabilities, with plans to deliver over 500 advanced weapon systems and more than 1 million munitions to its armed forces. This procurement is part of a state contract worth approximately 500 billion rubles (about $5.5 billion), signed during the Army 2024 international arms forum, currently underway in the Moscow Region. The announcement was made by Colonel General Anatoly Gulyayev, Chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ Main Armament Department, on Tuesday.
Gulyayev highlighted that contracts covering the entire defence procurement plan for 2024, and nearly 98% of the 2025 plan, have already been secured. He emphasized that these newly signed contracts represent an additional effort to ensure that the Russian Armed Forces receive more than 500 essential weapon systems and equipment. Along with these systems, the military will also receive around 1 million munitions of various calibres, enhancing Russia’s combat readiness.
During the forum, Gulyayev underlined the importance of the Army 2024 event as a platform for constructive cooperation between the Russian Defence Ministry and industrial enterprises. He noted that the signing of these state contracts is a crucial method for implementing the defence procurement plan, reinforcing Russia’s military strength.
The Colonel General also referred to a recent statement by Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, made at the forum’s opening. Belousov stressed that one of the key conditions for success in modern military conflicts is equipping the Russian Armed Forces with precision weapons. Gulyayev reiterated that fulfilling this condition is a joint task that is being actively pursued through the implementation of state contracts.
The Army 2024 international military-technical forum, held annually, has once again proven to be an effective venue for Russia to showcase its military advancements and secure critical defence deals. The forum has attracted international attention, especially given the current global security environment, where military capabilities are increasingly under scrutiny.
This year’s event has been particularly notable for the scale of its contracts, reflecting Russia’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its military prowess. The delivery of these advanced weapons systems and munitions will significantly bolster Russia’s defence capabilities, ensuring its armed forces are well-prepared to meet any potential threats.
As global tensions continue to rise, Russia’s strategic focus on military modernization underscores its intention to remain a formidable power on the world stage. The successful implementation of these contracts will play a key role in achieving this objective, providing the Russian military with the tools needed for effective defence and operational superiority.