Putin Orders Massive Military Rearmament Program

Russian President Vladimir Putin has initiated a sweeping new military modernization plan running from 2027 to 2036, focusing on advanced weapons systems, drones, and strategic nuclear capabilities. This follows a 30% rise in defense spending for 2025, with military expenditure projected at nearly 7.7% of GDP, continuing the pattern of rapid growth in Russia’s armed forces.

Russia Plans $1.1 Trillion Arms Program Through 2036

Ukraine’s defense intelligence chief, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, warned that Russia aims to spend about $1.1 trillion over the next decade on military rearmament the largest such effort since the Soviet era. This involves mobilizing political, economic, and societal resources to prepare for a potential large-scale war.

Two new military districts Moscow and Leningrad are already established, with more planned and dozens of new force formations under way.

Focus on Hypersonic Weapons, AI, Space and Strategic Boost

President Putin emphasizes applying battlefield lessons from the Ukraine war and tracking global technological trends to shape Russia’s new armament program. He focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, upgrading air defense systems, expanding drone forces, and developing space-based command technologies.

In addition, Russia plans to deploy hypersonic missiles, laser weapons, and cutting-edge drones. To drive this transformation, the military is forming a new branch dedicated to unmanned systems forces, signaling a decisive shift toward modern, technology-driven warfare.

The Sarmat ICBM, which is capable of orbital bombardment, is now entering combat duty. Meanwhile, the Kinzhal hypersonic missile . Russia has already deployed this weapon, which can travel at speeds of up to Mach 10, making it one of the fastest in its arsenal. In addition, Russia is actively developing its PAK DA stealth bomber, expected to enter service by 2027, to complement its existing strategic aviation capabilities.

Moreover, the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle stands out as another major asset in Moscow’s strategic deterrent, further strengthening its long-range nuclear capabilities.

Rostec and the Defense Industry Ramp Up Production

Russia’s state defense giant Rostec has significantly increased weapons production. It reports massive growth in artillery, tanks, armored vehicles, ammunition, drones, and guided munitions some increased by 10 to 25 times over 2022 levels. Rostec has also created new assembly lines, expanded factories, and employed more than 660,000 workers.

Officials expect this output to stabilize at three to four times pre-war levels, with similar scale maintained through 2027–29. Analysts warn that Russia now manufactures more ammunition yearly than all 32 NATO countries combined.

Russia Prepares for Long-Term Military Confrontation

From hypersonic missiles and next-gen bombers to AI-led drones and battlefield modernization, Russia’s massive rearmament program reflects a strategic shift toward prolonged military readiness. With planned spending reaching $1.1 trillion by 2036 and over 7% of national output now going to defense, Putin is preparing for the possibility of a long war with NATO or other adversaries.

With new force formations, increased ammunition production, advanced systems entering service, and deep integration of battlefield lessons, Russia is clearly committed to rebuilding its military strength. If anything, the Kremlin’s push for rearmament seems designed not only for current conflicts, but for shaping military posture far into the future.

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