The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced that Comprehensive measures will be adopted to deter aggression against Russia and its allies while enabling a qualitative renewal of the armed forces. This was stated by defense minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday, January 10, and reported by TASS.
Shoigu outlined plans to enhance the combat readiness of the Aerospace Forces, focusing on the operation of fighters and bombers within modern air defense frameworks and the advancement of unmanned aerial vehicles. Further steps include expanding arsenals of modern assault weapons and strengthening control and communication systems, with artificial intelligence technologies playing an active role in these developments.
He emphasized the importance of equipping personnel with modern, comfortable, and reliable gear, noting that every piece of equipment should meet high standards.
The defense minister also confirmed that Russia will continue developing the nuclear triad and maintaining readiness for potential conflict. The nuclear shield is described as a core safeguard of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Shoigu also touched on reforming the work of military recruitment and registration offices, aiming to improve responsiveness to civic initiatives that deserve significant attention. He mentioned digitizing databases, enhancing cooperation with local and regional authorities and industry, and upgrading civil and regional defense systems.
Recall that late last year Shoigu attended the ministry’s final board meeting. Proposals included gradually raising the conscription age from 18 to 21, extending the age limit to 30, and increasing the overall size of the armed forces to about 1.5 million personnel. He also proposed establishing two new military districts in Moscow and Leningrad, along with several additional divisions.
Shoigu noted that opportunities should be available for individuals who wish to sign a contract from the first day of enlistment, highlighting a push toward voluntary service where possible. Andrei Kartapolov, chair of the State Duma Defense Committee, later stated that raising the conscription age would require legislative changes and could occur in 2023.
Surveys indicate that roughly half of Russians support a mixed system of contract and conscription. Public sentiment has shifted toward greater contract-based service in recent times, according to December data. About 49% of respondents believe that every real man should serve in the military, a figure that has fallen 11 percentage points over three years from 60%. Meanwhile, the share viewing military service as a civic obligation has risen from 24% to 34%, even if it may not align with personal interests. Another 13% perceive military service as dangerous or meaningless and prefer to avoid it.
According to the Public Opinion Foundation, February 2022 data show 45% rating the army’s progress as good, 25% as satisfactory, and 8% as bad. The military’s prestige is viewed positively by 53% of respondents and negatively by 19%. About 16% favor service predominantly through conscription, while 26% advocate for equal sharing of duties. A majority—50%—believe service should be conducted by contract personnel, with the remainder favoring a mixed approach.