Ministry of Defence (Russia)
The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation (Russian: Министерство обороны Российской Федерации, romanized: Ministerstvo oborony Rossiyskoy Federatsii, abbreviated as Минобороны России or МО РФ) is the governmental department responsible for the Russian Armed Forces. It is headed by the Minister of Defence, currently Sergey Shoigu, who is a member of the Russian government and reports directly to the President of Russia.
The Ministry's responsibilities encompass a wide range of functions including:
- Strategic Planning and Military Doctrine: Defining Russia's military strategy, doctrine, and long-term development plans.
- Operational Command and Control: Overseeing the operational command and control of the various branches of the Russian Armed Forces.
- Force Structure and Development: Managing the structure, composition, and modernization of the armed forces, including personnel, equipment, and weaponry.
- Budget and Resource Allocation: Managing the substantial budget allocated to the defense sector, and overseeing its effective utilization.
- Research and Development: Supervising military research and development programs to ensure technological superiority.
- International Military Cooperation: Managing relationships and cooperation with foreign militaries.
- Military Education and Training: Overseeing the training and education of military personnel at all levels.
- Logistics and Support: Providing logistical support and resources necessary for the effective functioning of the armed forces.
- Civil Defence and Emergency Response: In some instances, the MOD also plays a role in civil defense and emergency response efforts.
The Ministry is a large and complex organization with a vast bureaucratic structure, encompassing various departments, directorates, and agencies. Its headquarters are located in Moscow. The Ministry's activities have been a subject of considerable international scrutiny, particularly in the context of recent geopolitical events. The effectiveness and modernization of the Russian Armed Forces are central to the Ministry's ongoing objectives. The Ministry's activities and structure are subject to change and evolution, reflecting Russia's evolving geopolitical priorities and defense strategies.