Russia's 2023 military expansion: reality check

Defense Express writes about it.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of the Security Council in Russia, announced on October 25 that Russia planned to create new military units in 2024, including an army corps, flotilla, 7 divisions, 19 brigades, and 49 regiments. However, it remains unclear whether these are entirely new formations or expansions of existing ones.

To assess Russia's progress, Defense Express examined its 2023 plans. In late 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced intentions to establish 17 new divisions, comprising 7 motorized rifle and 5 marine infantry divisions, with 3 motorized rifle and 2 airborne assault divisions formed from scratch. There were also plans to revive 5 artillery divisions, a significant logistical challenge.

Reviewing available data, the publication found that Russia has initiated the formation of two airborne assault divisions: the 44th and 104th, largely utilizing their existing forces. However, the creation of marine infantry divisions from existing brigades hasn't been confirmed.

Regarding the new motorized rifle divisions scheduled for 2023, some units have been identified in battles against other forces, but it's unclear if they are fully operational. The exact nature of these divisions, whether new or expanded from existing units, also remains uncertain.

“The newly created motorized rifle divisions of the Russians are the 11th, 12th, 47th and 51st, 57th and 61st, 62nd and 63rd, 70th and 295th,” the article notes. 

While these divisions may not be at full strength, Russia is nevertheless deploying them against Ukraine.