As tensions between the two states rise once more, here's how their weapons systems compare
It's easy to fall into Cold War calculations when comparing the militaries of Russia and United States. After all, a lot of the same equipment from that conflict is still in use. And because Russia and the U.S. are the world's chief arms suppliers, Cold War weapons are found in the arsenals of armies around the world.
These, however, are next-generation weapons systems being designed and fielded, and they are the ones that will shape the next Cold War—and its proxy conflicts. Here are a few match-ups for these future clashes and who will have the edge.
Robots
Going into combat with a robotic squadmate is becoming the norm. Wheeled and tracked systems proved themselves to the Pentagon in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq by defusing roadside bombs, conducting reconnaissance, and breaching buildings. Building these bots during a shooting war is like pressing fast-forward on research and development (and funding). So in a short amount of time, defense firms have designed and field-tested an array of unmanned ground robots, including 5-pound throwable recon bots and a 370-pound tracked vehicle capable of carrying machine guns and rocket launchers.
The Russians have not sat idly by as this revolution rolled past, and they are ready to show the world their progress in June at an official arms show. There they'll display families of ground robots that can clear minefields, fight fires, and shoot anti-tank missiles. Members of the defense ministry have told press that by 2025, one-third of Russia's military hardware will be robotic.
The Pentagon's lead in this area is too commanding. Plus the U.S. enjoys real-world battle experience and has an industrial complex that can build better sensors.
Tanks
Russia's MSTA-M self-propelled 152 mm howitzers ride through Red Square during the final rehearsal of the Victory Day parade ahead of celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II on May 7.
Every May Russia trots out its latest and greatest military upgrades. This year, armored vehicles took center stage. These are a point of pride for the Russians, who (rightfully) see their ability to make and field tanks as a reason they won World War II.
So the gang at Jane's Defense took notice when the T-14 Armata main battle tank rolled in the parade (see top of page). This is the first new tank designed by Russia since the iconic T-72 rolled off the assembly line in the 1970s. It is built to protect the crew, using an unmanned turret and plenty of armor. The speculation, based on media reports and backup up by the design, is that the tank will receive a new 152mm main gun, making it a well-armed apex predator that is hard to kill.
Meanwhile, the United States is busy trying to keep its aging tanks ready for action. Or, as the Army puts it, "Our priority focus is to enhance capabilities of the current force through low risk and cost-effective fleet modernization." The effort has focused on keeping the M1A1 Abrams ready and deadly in the 21st century. The latest upgrade, under way now, incorporates better thermal sights, display panels, and remotely operated guns.
Edge: Russia
New does not always mean better, and Russian military industry is not what it used to be. But betting against Russian armor is a bad idea. Besides, their new tanks seem well-made, studded with sensors and advanced armor that will make them dangerous foes.
The big guns of modern war are missile launchers—nothing says shock and awe like a rain of warheads. But with UAVs overhead to spot targets and powerful radar that can track where a shot came from, counter-battery fire is becoming more accurate and immediate. As a result, these launchers must be able to shoot and move quickly.
The United States and Russia both have mid- and long-range missile vehicles, but the two countries designed their systems with different ethos. The United States has the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). It can carry six 227mm rockets that can sprinkle the area below with deadly sub munitions.
One thing HIMARS does well is fire rockets with accuracy. The pinnacle of this is the long-range ATACMS (army tactical missile system) guided missile with a 500-lb explosive warhead. Each HIMARS can be secretly configured to carry one of these large, GPS-guided weapons. Lockheed Martin, who makes the system, says that 570 ATACMS missiles have been fired in combat, and on May 15 the Army signed a $174 million contract with Lockheed to make more.
The Russians, on the other hand, tend to go for volume over accuracy. Their Multiple Launch Rocket Systems are trucks fit with lots of rocket tubes. The BM-21 Grad, for example, is a six-wheeled vehicle with forty launch tubes that can all fire within seconds. (Compare that to the 6-shot, more accurate HIMARS.)
However, they also have longer-range mobile missiles that could target NATO bases, airfields, troop concentrations, and civilians. Top of the list of deadly long-range missiles is the Iskander-M tactical missile system (NATO calls it the SS-26 Stone.) It can be ready to shoot 250 miles in just 20 minutes, delivering an 880-pound warhead to a target within 15 feet of where it's aimed. Russia has been conducting drills this month with Iskanders and recently has moved some to Kalingrad, in the Baltics, to further extend the range of these weapons.
Russia's imprecise systems are getting new life now that unmanned aircraft are serving as spotters and signals intelligence units can guide the hail of unguided missiles. Longer-range missiles will have a greater effect for Russia in Europe, where it enjoys a home-field advantage: more hiding spots, protective shelters, more variety of supply lines, and sheer numbers.
Traditional Artillery
Artillery has been the chief man-killer on the battlefield ever since it was invented. While recent American and Russian counterinsurgency fights have emphasized the importance of ground troops, artillery has played a vital role in those conflicts.
You need mobility to survive on a modern battlefield. The Marine Corps' M777 howitzer can be hoisted by an MV-22 Osprey, enabling the big guns to keep up with the fight. Other U.S. big guns are self-propelled—mounted on a tracked chassis—but they are not so new. The M109 Paladin is the go-to mobile artillery piece for the Army, introduced in 1969 and updated to its current variant, the M109A7. That version, delivered just the April, has an electric drive system—extra juice to power future upgrades and an ability to throw four 155mm rounds a minute.
Russian artillery is getting a makeover. This year's May Day parade showcased the newest self-propelled guns in the Russian arsenal, the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV. As part of one recent enhancement used to score precise hits, its 155mm round can now hone in on a target designated by a laser. The real advantage in this design is the ability to choose different rounds and have a robotic system automatically load it.
Although this is a close call, the U.S.' ability to move around a battlefield by air and attack with artillery from unexpected directions gives it a distinct advantage. However, that implies the U.S. has air superiority. The Russians don't have to fly around as much to deploy and they have some good vehicles, but American forces can be very adept at tracking vehicles and killing these from the air.
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