1 Aug 2012 17:45

Russia plans to up number of contract soldiers to 425,000 from 186,000 - Putin

ULYANOVSK. Aug 1 (Interfax) - Russia will increase the number of contract servicemen in its armed forces to 425,000 from the current 186,000 within the next few years if it can afford it financially, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We have 186,000 contract servicemen today. Our goal for the next few years is to reach the level of about 425,000," Putin said at a meeting with Airborne Forces active servicemen and veterans on Wednesday.

"The army is an expensive thing," he said.

"I don't know yet whether we can do this in the coming years, because this will depend on the budget's capabilities. But we will be trying," he said.