Russia plans record 2027 military spending increase amid NATO tensions

Russian government documents reportedly show that Moscow is planning a sharp rise in defence spending in 2027, with 17.1 trillion roubles earmarked for the military. That would be a 27% increase on the 13.5 trillion roubles originally budgeted, according to the documents seen by Reuters. The reported plan comes as Russian officials continue to warn of heightened tensions with NATO and what they describe as hostile activity against Europe.

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The documents also indicate that defence spending over the next three years would total 50 trillion roubles. In the same reporting, Moscow accused NATO of taking a "dangerous and reckless course" that could raise the risk of direct armed conflict. The note warned of possible Russian strikes against decision-making centres in alliance member states if the situation escalated further.

It also said Russia would be ready to use the full range of its capabilities, including nuclear weapons, if NATO tried to isolate the Kaliningrad region. The spending figures add fresh weight to concerns that Russia is preparing for a prolonged period of confrontation rather than a reduction in military pressure. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Russia was "testing us across Europe", citing airspace violations, arson and sabotage, as well as what he described as a hybrid attack at Leipzig airport in August.

The broader backdrop is a continuing cycle of accusations and counter-accusations between Moscow and Western governments over security threats, airspace incidents and covert activity. The reported budget increase is also significant because it suggests defence remains a central priority for the Kremlin despite the strain of the war in Ukraine and wider economic pressures. The figures point to sustained investment in military capacity at a time when European governments are already on alert over possible spillover from the conflict.

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For NATO members, the combination of higher spending and sharper rhetoric is likely to reinforce concerns about Russia's long-term intentions. The latest reporting follows earlier warnings from Western officials that Russia is using a mix of conventional and hybrid tactics to pressure its neighbours. Those concerns have included cyber-attacks, sabotage and drone incidents in European airspace, all of which have raised the political temperature around the war.

The new budget documents suggest that Moscow is planning for those tensions to continue rather than ease. What remains unclear is whether the reported figures will be approved in full and how they will be implemented in practice. It is also not yet clear whether the spending plan reflects a change in military strategy or simply a continuation of existing priorities.

The next developments to watch are any formal budget announcements from Moscow and any further reaction from NATO capitals.

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