The Mistral-class helicopter carrier Sevastopol, is seen at the STX Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard site in Saint-Nazaire, western France, May 15, 2014. The Sevastopol is one of two Mistral-class warships ordered by the Russian Navy. REUTERS/S
The Mistral-class helicopter carrier Sevastopol, is seen at the STX Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard site in Saint-Nazaire, western France, May 15, 2014. The Sevastopol is one of two Mistral-class warships ordered by the Russian Navy. Reuters/Stephane Mahe

Despite the Russian economy's looming recession in 2015, Moscow plans to increase the country's military spending to a record-breaking US$62 billion or 3.3 trillion rubles since the post-Soviet era. Russia's military is expected to be bigger and stronger in 2015 with cash ready to buy more submarines, aircraft, missiles and artillery for its armed forces.

Russia will design and manufacture a fleet of its own universal amphibious assault helicopter carriers as part of its long-term naval programme of shipbuilding through 2050, according to a high-ranking official in Russia's defence sector in a TASS report. The official said the Russian navy will prioritise the construction of the country's own assault ships as plans were already endorsed by the Defence Ministry.

Russia's long-term plan would need universal amphibious assault ships like the Mistrals of France as such carriers can complete more combat missions than the Ivan Gren assault ships currently being built. The TASS source revealed the new Russian helicopter carriers will be designed by the Nevsky and Northern Design Bureaus.

The country's spending spree on beefing up the country's defences with cash equivalent to 4.2 percent of Russia's gross domestic product follows the ongoing crisis in Ukraine that caused tension in U.S.-Russia relations reminiscent of the Cold War. According to the Moscow Times, Russia's military had a good 2014 so far as the Defence Ministry showed it can successfully reform the country's armed forces. During the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in March, the Russian army has shown it has improved compared to the 2008 conflict with Georgia.

Nuclear submarines as 'backbone' of defence

Meanwhile, the third Borei-class ballistic missile nuclear submarine, known as the Vladimir Monomakh, was turned over to the Russian navy. TASS said a state commission has signed the notice of acceptance at the Sevmash shipyard. Previous reports have indicated that the Russian Navy will officially adopt the submarine on Dec. 19.

The Borei-class submarines are designed by Rubin Design Bureau for Marine Engineering based in St. Petersburg and armed with Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. The submarines are reportedly going to become the backbone of Russia's naval forces.

Russia behind US and China

Military analysts believe 2015 will be another good year for Russia to expand its military capacity. However, the country is lagging behind the U.S. and China in terms of defence budget. According to UK-based defence consultancy IHS Jane, the U.S. Congress has approved a defence budget for 2015 worth $584 billion while China's budget has reached $159.6 billion.

In an attempt to boost its defences even more, Russia has announced plans of building at least 12 nuclear reactors in India by 2035 and agreed to build advanced helicopters as both countries signed 20 treaties to boost strategic cooperation in defence, oil, gas and other key areas. India.com said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed to make their ties stronger to work towards nuclear energy cooperation.

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