The head of Russia’s Ministry of Defense, Sergei Shoigu, accompanied by senior military officials, assessed how state defense orders are being carried out by enterprises within the military-industrial complex in the Tula region. During the inspection, he pressed for speeding up the delivery of equipment to the troops and emphasized the need for reliable, timely supply chains to ensure readiness across the armed forces. This update came from the ministry’s official Telegram channel, which noted the exchange of details between defense leaders and plant managers aimed at strengthening the procurement process and reducing any delays that could affect field operations.
The defense ministry chief also highlighted the importance of adjusting the delivery schedule for all kinds of weapons. He suggested shifting some timelines for transferring equipment to the second or third quarters while reinforcing the expectation of steady, uniform deliveries throughout the year. The aim, as stated, is to balance the annual distribution of arms and gear so that units receive necessary tools in a predictable manner rather than in bursts that could disrupt training cycles or operational planning.
Shoigu recalled Vladimir Putin’s directive to draft a comprehensive list of instructions and a program for armaments procurement. The president’s order, received by top defense officials, underscores a structured approach to budgeting, program implementation, and oversight of the entire supply chain—from the allocation of funds to the coordination of deliveries for missiles, artillery ammunition, and vehicles used by multiple launch systems, as well as the transport, loading equipment, and launchers that support these systems. The ministry’s spokesperson indicated that these measures are meant to ensure a cohesive, well-coordinated procurement program that aligns with strategic defense priorities.
In addition, the conversation touched on the volume of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) supplied to Russian troops. Officials stated that the current level of UAV deliveries has increased significantly, described as multiplying severalfold compared with the early days of 2022. The surge reflects ongoing efforts to bolster reconnaissance, target acquisition, and combat support capabilities, reinforcing the air and land components of the armed forces while adapting to evolving battlefield requirements.
There was also mention of the broader strategic context, including shifts in how UAV technology is integrated with ground forces and air defense. The discussions indicated a sustained push to diversify platforms and enhance interoperability between drones, ground vehicles, and command-and-control networks. This approach aims to raise the efficiency of mission planning, reduce response times, and improve real-time situational awareness across theaters where Russian forces operate. The emphasis remained on consistent funding, public accountability, and transparent scheduling to ensure that procurement milestones remain on track and that the troops receive reliable equipment aligned with high-priority defense objectives.