– War experts warn of eventual degradation of the Russian defense industrial base due to equipment, labor, and resource shortages.
– Russia’s war materiel is vulnerable with stockpiles in poor condition and sanctions on supplies.
– The war intensifies Russia’s labor shortage, complicating arms manufacturing and efforts to increase economic capacity.
War experts are warning of a potential degradation of Russia’s defense industrial base due to shortages in equipment, labor, and resources. The country’s war materiel is vulnerable, with stockpiles in poor condition and sanctions limiting supplies. The ongoing war in Ukraine is intensifying Russia’s labor shortage, complicating arms manufacturing and efforts to increase economic capacity.
While Russia’s war machine has gained momentum with increased industrial capacity and decreased Ukrainian resistance, experts warn that the country’s current manufacturing capabilities and stockpiled combat systems will not be sustainable in the long term due to shortages of equipment, labor, and resources. Soviet-era tanks in storage may support Russia for a few more years, but they are of lower quality than newer units, and there are issues with other military components like ammunition and manpower.
Sanctions have hindered Russia’s ability to source necessary parts, like tank optics, leading to unsuccessful attempts to duplicate them. The ongoing labor shortage in Russia, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, is impacting weapons manufacturing. Many workers have enlisted in the military or fled the country, and there are complaints about training and equipment availability. The situation could complicate Russia’s efforts to balance economic capacity and force generation while meeting the demands of ultranationalist groups.
Despite Russia’s current operational momentum, there are concerns about the availability of resources in the future, particularly the provision of US military assistance to Ukraine. The rate at which Russia’s partially replenished forces can advance depends heavily on the availability of materiel to Ukraine. If Ukraine’s defenses deteriorate without continued support, it may not matter if Russia’s army faces problems.