In an interview with Interfax, Grachev said that after the year 2000, the air defense troops and the Strategic Missile Forces should both be reintegrated into the air force.
The proposal, though it meets with some opposition from within the ranks of the military, fits into the army's general downsizing and the diminishing importance of the country's nuclear forces, which are being reduced by treaty. Defense Ministry spokesmen declined to elaborate on Grachev's comments Tuesday.
An unnamed military source told Interfax that the consolidation was to take place in two phases, first incorporating the air defense forces and then the Strategic Rocket Forces into the air force. Tactical weapons and naval-based strategic weapons would not be included in the reorganization, according to the plan.
The source told Interfax that the new structure should reduce costs, but that it had raised the anger of military generals, the bloated upper echelon of leaders who see their fortunes falling as military budgets -- and the size of the military itself -- contract.
Military analysts here and abroad saw difficulties in the plan, not the least of which was the potential cost.
"It may be intended in the long term to make a more rational cost structure, but in the short term, the restructuring itself is very costly," said Roy Allison, head of the Russian and CIS Program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in England.
A Russian commentator on military affairs, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said although these reform plans have long been in the works, Grachev may no longer have the clout to carry them out "His position, standing and prestige are very much undermined. Grachev is just expressing his own opinion."
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.