MOSCOW. May 24 (Interfax) - Russia's expenditures on its Armed Forces make up less than 1/11th of those in the United States, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"Our defense expenditures are under 1/11th of those in the United States. And they amount to one-third of China's [defense expenditures]," Shoigu said at the Federation Council on Wednesday.
The upkeep of one service member costs Russia an equivalent of $54,000 a year, which is a lot less than in some other countries, he said.
"With this level of financing, we were able to increase the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces by 14%, and also ensure strategic parity with NATO countries," the minister said.