Kathrine Frich
Military technology has always mirrored the ambitions of the nations that build it.
From the air to the sea and beneath the surface, Russia’s armed forces have invested heavily in systems designed to project power and secure influence far beyond their borders.
A changing army
With a defence budget of around $70 billion a year, Russia maintains the world’s third-largest military force.
Since Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012, the country’s army has shifted from large formations to smaller, mobile units built around new technology.
The result is a diverse collection of machines that combine Soviet-era design with modern innovation.
1. The Bora-class hovercraft
This unusual vessel is part catamaran, part hovercraft.
Armed with eight Moskit anti-ship missiles and 20 anti-air missiles, it can travel at up to 100 kilometres per hour and carries a crew of around 70.
2. The Pantsir-S1 system
Designed to strike both in the air and on the ground, the Pantsir-S1 combines short- and medium-range missiles with twin 30mm cannons.
It can destroy aircraft, helicopters, and incoming missiles, offering close-range protection for key military sites.
3. The stealth submarine Novorossiysk
The diesel-electric Novorossiysk is the first in a class of near-silent submarines launched from St. Petersburg.
Its advanced acoustic shielding allows it to operate undetected beneath the surface, marking a leap in Russia’s undersea capabilities.
4. The MiG-35 fighter jet
Built for both air-to-air combat and precision strikes, the MiG-35 can reach 2,400 kilometres per hour.
Its advanced radar and agility make it effective in multiple roles, from reconnaissance to intercept missions.
5. The Buk-2 missile launcher
This mobile anti-aircraft system gained global notoriety after its alleged role in the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine in 2014.
Its missiles can reach altitudes of 14 kilometres and speeds of Mach 3.
6. The RS-24 Yars
One of Russia’s most powerful deterrents, this intercontinental ballistic missile can carry several independently targeted nuclear warheads with a range of up to 16,000 kilometres.
Each missile has the destructive power of multiple Hiroshima bombs.
7. The Tu-160 “White Swan”
Nicknamed “The Russian Concorde,” this supersonic strategic bomber is the world’s largest combat aircraft.
Capable of carrying 40 tonnes of weapons and reaching twice the speed of sound, only 16 remain in service.
8. The T-90 main battle tank
Compact and heavily armed, the T-90 features a 125mm gun with anti-tank rounds and a remote-controlled machine gun for air defence.
It remains the backbone of Russia’s armoured forces.
9. The Borei-class submarine
Weighing nearly 15,000 tonnes, these nuclear-powered submarines can each launch 16 Bulava missiles, carrying up to 10 warheads apiece.
They form the core of Russia’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.
10. The Mi-28 “Havoc” helicopter
The army’s main attack helicopter, the Mi-28 is equipped with a 30mm cannon and missile pods for anti-tank and ground assault missions.
It operates day and night in almost all weather conditions.
Sources: Business Insider, AFP, Russian Defence Ministry archives
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
