Is the Russian military still a formidable power?

On the grand sceme of things Russia is in a good position militarily. Their country has vast industrial capacity, natural resources and a growing economy which is certainly in the upper group of world powers. All these things stand them in good stead militarily, as its not just a case of technology, resources and supply are important. They also have a large population that can fuel their army. Russian technology is advanced compared to anybody except the USA, Japan and Western Europe. Which means compared to us they maybe lack in certain areas, but overall they are probally up in the top 5. I guess funding has just been short the last twenty years, so they have lagged behind. Just remember some nations still use WW2 tanks! Then take into account a large proportion of current military tech was developed as far back as the 70's when Russia still had its huge defense budget. In areas like aerospace the Russians have been ahead of the west in terms of technology for decades and are only now falling behind (i'd argue Russia has produced the finest fighter planes post 1960).

In addition to this i don't think Russia ever have or will be the kind of nation that fights along the doctrine of good technology and a small number of well trained troops. Russia is all about brute power and massive numbers to overwhelm their foes. Who needs fancy laser scopes when you have all the lads backing you up?

Finally, don't assume tech = military power. its a very small part of a wider picture. Remember Vietnam?or the fall of the roman empire? history is full of examples where low tech has crushed high tech foes.

Russia have just flexed their muscles in Georgia and i think considering events of the past few years we should really watch Russia, if Russia manages to build up a power base in central asia/middle east we could easily see a return of the old Russia. guess it all depends on oil and gas and Russias economy.

Don't underestimate the United States. Even at the Soviet Union's peak, the ruskies were still uncapable of maintaining a prolonged war. They stayed in afgahnistan all those years and never suffered losses close to the US in Vietnam and the Afgahn war bankrupted them. No, They US will kick their sorry but any day in a conventional war. The US doesnt do anything because tensions still exist between the two. The Russians have a massive arsenal and ballistic subs. You dont screw with a nation that can hit your capital if it decides to and cause a nuclear holocaust.

But I repeat.,,, No one, no one in the world wages war with so much waste and excessive force as the United States does. We have a battle hardened military, new equipment rolling out and a highly motivated force compared to Russia's unmotivated conscripts.

The US will dominae any conventional war. Thats what it does best. But in the world of geopolitics, Russia needs to be handeled with care. If you really want to know why start studying the economic and military implications.

Old or not Wrighty, in conventional warfare on their own doorstep they know how to fight, as Georgia found out to their cost,

like most army's today if the terrain is built for tanks and you have good air support you are likely to get a successful outcome, on the other hand if you like in Afghanistan and Iraq try to completely rid them of all the rebels you will eventually fail,remember Napoleon and Hitler invaded Russia, but both retreated with their tails between their legs,

unless your talking atomic warfare the Russians will remain alongside the Chinese, and the biggest threat to the west will come from the Muslims.

1. Israel 2. USA 3. UK 4. Switzerland 5. Russia Israel maintains one of the most highly trained armies in the world and is capable of defeating any of its neighbors in a conventional war. The USA is clearly a leader and the only nation capable of sending its forces to any location around the world. Training of the British army includes highly specialized units which compare with the best US units. Switzerland is a state which is often overlooked by most experts, but they maintain an army capable of self-defense against nearly any conceivable adversary. The Russian army is huge but spotty. Certain units are excellent with others being mediocre at best. However, its force projection capabilities are improving and its new strategic orientation may pose a problem to other states in coming years.

Very quietly Russia is spending some of it's vast revenues from oil and gas on the very latest military technology. Don't worry as far as taking on Russia Bush is just a barking dog.

I think you need to read this article below. Keep a watchful eye on Russia military technology.

They will modernise, bearing in mind that Russia now has an awful lot of money, due to its natural resources of oil and gas.

Lets just say if the US went to war with Russia, the entire world would be hanging in the balance. They may have SOME outdated tech specs. but their will in battle sends shivers up my spine.

Russian military power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T15nEKFDA7A

It will need to dramatically improve its military spending to do so, currently it spends about as much as Italy, and they're never going to take over the world.