Shoigu’s trip
The Telegram channel of Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that Sergei Shoigu travelled to Izhevsk to oversee how the state defense order is being carried out by enterprises in the military-industrial complex.
Specifically, the announcement noted that he would inspect the production facilities of the Kalashnikov concern. The facility specializes in precision-guided munitions and compact firearms, according to the ministry’s bulletin.
The ministry said that Shoigu was accompanied in Izhevsk by Alexander Brechalov, the governor of Udmurtia. At the Kalashnikov enterprises, the minister was shown the latest assault rifles, sniper rifles, precision-guided munitions, and human-portable anti-aircraft missile systems produced by the group.
The report added that the head of the Russian military department was shown the technological production process, including the final assembly line for small arms.
Vladimir Lepin, the head of the concern, told the defense minister that Kalashnikov enterprises had fully fulfilled the state defense order for 2022, covering both small arms and precision-guided munitions.
During the visit, Shoigu indicated to the Kalashnikov leadership that next year the state defense order would be significantly increased for the concern. Lepin confirmed that the enterprises would meet the new target, according to the ministry’s press service.
In November, a source cited by RIA Novosti reported that the Kalashnikov group had become the main organization coordinating the supply of combat equipment to the Armed Forces. The source said this measure was also necessary to equip more than 300,000 mobilized personnel.
Putin’s visit
Russian President’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov announced in a briefing that Vladimir Putin would travel to Tula on Friday to meet with leaders in the military-industrial sector.
He described the visit as an opportunity to discuss addressing the armament and equipment needs of the armed forces, especially those taking part in the special military operation. The president would tour the Instrument Design Bureau named after Academician Shipunov, which has produced various weapon systems including high-precision missiles.
Peskov noted that Putin would meet with representatives of the products sector and see the facilities firsthand. After touring the enterprise, the president was to hold discussions with heads of organizations within the military-industrial complex. The governor of the Tula region, Alexei Dyumin, was slated to accompany him and would also show the regional status center to the president.
State defense order
On November 30, Shoigu announced at a board meeting that the budget for the state defense order in 2023 would rise by about 1.5 times, aided by additional funds. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the maximum possible production volume and organizing forward deliveries to troops.
On December 15, Putin called for setting parameters to guide the development of the military-industrial complex and the state defense order. He stressed that delays and ceremonial approaches were unacceptable and encouraged steadfast work toward future capabilities. He urged accelerating plans for key sectors of the economy, including metallurgy, automotive, and energy, to align with the goals of the defense program and to reflect the outcomes of the coordinating body that ensures Armed Forces participation in ongoing operations.
On December 21, the head of state highlighted that in the military operations zone, priority should be given to top-quality first aid kits, uniforms, and footwear. He underscored that even seemingly small components must meet high standards on the battlefield and called for continuous attention to supply chains and field readiness as the extended meeting of the defense ministry’s college discussed ongoing needs.