Russia's military spending is one of the highest in the world. In 2014, they amounted to $ 84.5 billion, and in 2016 they will reach $ 96 billion. At the Victory Parade in Moscow, the world was presented with the fruits of this military program in the form of modern and powerful weapons - the Armata tank and the Kurganets-25 BMP.
Introducing you Russia's most powerful weapon according to the foreign edition of The National Interest, devoted to American foreign policy.
Recall the last ranking of the armies of the world, as of 2015, awarded Russia the 2nd place in the list of the strongest armies in the world.
5. Tank T-14 "Armata"
The most powerful weapon of the Russian Federation in the tank forces. The newest medium tank is equipped with a new type of turret (without a crew) and armed with a 125 mm cannon. The tankers are in the lower compartment of the tank and special partitions separate them from the set of ammunition. Thanks to the active protection complex, the tank can intercept any anti-tank ammunition. By 2020, the Russian Defense Ministry expects to receive 2,300 T-14s. This modern weapon of Russia will replace 70% of the country's existing tank fleet.
4. Tank T-90
The history of the vehicle, one of Russia's most powerful weapons, began in the 1940s. Now the T-90 has little resemblance to the T-54, a tank that was put into service in 1946. Over the long years of evolution, the T-54 medium tank turned into the T-55, which gave birth to the T-62, then the T-64, T-72, T-80 and finally the T-90. The latter is equipped with a 125-mm smooth-bore gun and the Reflex-M system, which can destroy armored vehicles and even slow, low-flying aircraft at long distances. There is also an additional armament - a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62 mm machine gun paired with it.
3. Infantry fighting vehicle (BMP) "Kurganets-25"
BMPs, which are in service with motorized rifle units, have always been part of Russia's advanced weapon. The 2015 Best Weapons Rating continues the model, whose appearance is a radical departure from the short and squat "standard" BMP. It looks more like Western cars such as the Bradley and Warrior. It can "cut" both on land and on water, thanks to a water jet. The car can accommodate up to 8 people.
The BMP has a 30-mm automatic cannon, an upgraded Kalashnikov machine gun and two Kornet anti-missile systems, which are guided by a laser beam.
2. Reactive multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) "Smerch"
Russian rocket artillery has a rich history. Even during the Great Patriotic War, the famous "Katyushas" with one or two volleys terrified the enemy. The glorious traditions are continued by the BM-30 Smerch heavy missile system of 300 mm caliber with 12 missiles. It takes only 3 minutes to prepare the RSZP for battle after receiving target designation, and a full salvo takes 38 seconds. Only a minute passes after the volley, and Russia's powerful weapon is already ready to march, emerging from the return fire.
For all its merits, the "Tornado" cannot hit close targets. The minimum range for its missiles is 20 km, and the maximum is 70 km.
1. Self-propelled artillery installation (SAU) "Coalition-SV"
The top 5 most powerful weapons in Russia are led by a 152-mm self-propelled howitzer, testing of which began last year. Its first demonstration to the public took place during the parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Initially, the "Coalition-SV" was equipped with not one, but two 152-mm guns, but for some unknown reason the second howitzer was abandoned. Additional armament is a remote-controlled turret with a 12.7-mm machine gun, it is located on the roof of the vehicle. The ACS crew includes 3 people. "Coalition-SV" should replace the self-propelled howitzers of the previous generation "Msta-S".