Russia to Spend Nearly $480 Billion on Military Budget in 2026–2028

The Russian Federation plans to allocate a significant amount of funds for defense and arms procurement during the period from 2026 to 2028. The total expenditure will amount to 39.54 trillion rubles, which is approximately $477 billion at the current exchange rate.

This is reported by AgroReview

Increase in Defense Budget and Structure of Expenditures

In 2026, the defense budget of the Russian Federation will reach 12.93 trillion rubles, which is 20% more compared to 2024 (10.8 trillion rubles). Compared to 2023, when 6.8 trillion rubles were allocated for military needs, the increase will nearly double, and relative to 2021, the pre-war period, it will increase by 3.6 times (260%).

The share of defense spending in the overall budget will be about 30% in 2026, 29% in 2027, and 26% in 2028, indicating the prioritization of army funding over other areas of government expenditure.

Priority of Defense Spending Over Social Sector

Total spending on the army and the military-industrial complex in 2026 will exceed funding for social security by 80%, state support for the economy by 160%, and expenditures on healthcare and education by six times. Starting in 2026, nearly the entire military budget will be classified: closed items will constitute 84% of the total amount.

“Total spending on the army and the military-industrial complex in 2026 will exceed social security expenditures by 80%, national economic support expenditures by 160%, and funding for healthcare and education by 600%.”

Experts note that the Kremlin has reached the limits of its capabilities regarding waging war amid increasing economic pressure, which may impact the future strategy of the Russian Federation in the areas of defense and domestic policy.