Russia’s new defense chief says military’s economic needs, innovation are top priorities

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pick for defense chief said his immediate priorities are fully integrating the military economy into the general state economy and ensuring the Ministry of Defense is as open to innovation as possible.

Prospective Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on Tuesday told the Russian Federation Council that the ministry’s most pressing issue is supplying the Russian military with modern equipment, from missiles and ammunition to drones and electronic warfare devices.

“Belousov stated that his other top priorities are the implementation of the 2025 state defense order, the Russian (Ministry of Defense’s) annual request for new weapons and equipment from the Russian defense industry, and recruitment efforts,” the Institute for the Study of War think tank reported.

Mr. Putin’s choice of an economist to serve as defense chief comes more than two years after Moscow’s war against Ukraine has resulted in a level of military spending not seen in Russia since the Cold War.

Mr. Belousov replaces Gen. Sergei Shoigu, a longtime ally of the Russian president who will now become secretary of the Kremlin’s Security Council.

In his speech on Tuesday, Mr. Belousov said there is no need to discuss emergency measures such as a partial or general mobilization of Russian citizens. He said the Defense Ministry should gain greater control over the country’s defense industry.

Analysts with ISW said Mr. Belousov’s identified priorities are largely consistent with their assessment that his appointment indicates Mr. Putin is taking significant steps towards mobilizing the Russian economy and defense industry to support a protracted war in Ukraine and possibly prepare for a confrontation with NATO.