Russia's defence spending to grow despite economic problems

State expenditures for the defense sector will not change regardless of the economic conditions in Russia, the military industrial commission board’s deputy head Oleg Bochkarev told TASS.
The state defense order market becomes more and more popular. It is guaranteed and confirmed with funds. Besides, the president has made it clear that defense expenditures would not change regardless of economic conditions, he said.
The volume of state defense orders for 2017 will grow more than 40% as compared to 2014, and in 2015 it will be 20% more, Bochkarev said.
It has been growing continuously. It was 30% more in 2014 as compared to the previous year, Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov said.
In early December, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said that 25% more funds were provided from the budget in 2014 compared to last year for scientific research, tests, design work and purchases and repair of weapons and equipment. He also said that the number of weapons and equipment provided for troops grew 65%.