Zavarzin: Russia to Spend RUR 1.853 Trillions on National Security in 2012

22.02.2012 Russia's spendings on national defense in the current year will make RUR 1.853 trillions, said deputy chairman of parliamentary committee for defense Vitor Zavarzin commenting Putin's article "To Be Strong" recently published by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Zavarzin pointed out that military budget had considerably grown in order to strengthen Russia's defense capability. For instance, budgetary expenditures on item "National defense" in 2012 are RUR 1.853 trillions; in 2013 and 2014 those spendings will be increased on 26% and 17.5% respectively, reports ITAR-TASS.

The member of parliament also paid attention on such aspect as concern for servicemen. He noted that "on Putin's initiative, governmental concern for military personnel has significantly increased especially social protection issues and respect to Motherland defenders". With this in view, current budget provides substantial increase of monetary allowance and pensions, Zavarzin said. For one, almost RUR 330 bln per year will be spent for financial support of regular servicemen in 2012-2014; annual expenditures on military pensions will make RUR 252 bln.

Zavarzin also mentioned other aspects of Putin's article like the necessity to promote prestige of military service, reform of military education, and modernization of armed forces. In particular, he reminded that a new branch was established in Dec 2011 – Aerospace Defense Force; Russian Navy becomes more powerful with commissioning of Borei-class strategic submarines.

In addition, Zavarzin talked about adoption of State Arms Program 2011-2020 which financing is three times as large as the previous one. Totally, over 1,300 items of up-to-date military equipment will be purchased till 2020 in order to improve Russia's defense capability, Zavarzin said.

"Generally speaking, the article is interesting not only for military experts but for wide audience. It contains deep analysis of current Russian Armed Forces and determines key directions for development", he said. "There is a feeling that Vladimir Putin has an inside view on military problems and knows the way to resolve them", summarized the politician.