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Military Stats: compare key data on Canada & Russia

chris.lockyer781

Author: chris.lockyer781

There is a distinct difference between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Soviet Armed Forces. Canada has a small force while the Russian Federation has four military districts comprised of 57 divisions. Russian nuclear capability is one of the most potent in the world compared to small forces like the Canadian Military Establishment. It is very clear that Canada cannot match the military build-up of Russia.

However, it is very clear that the Canadian Government subscribes to a self-defence mode unlike Russia which strives to maintain its superpower status. However, the two nations have similar organizational structures for their respective armed forces. Canada also relies on recruitment while Russia depends on conscription to get citizens into joining the Soviet military. The Russian government is also spending billions for the modernization program of its armed forces.

The armed forces of Canada do not have sufficient funding and is confronted with the spectre of a disorganised procurement plan and schedule. The military is not up to par when compared to other developed nations like the United States, China and Russia. In fact, the government should give serious thought about the future of the Canadian Armed Forces. The question is whether politicians are willing to pour millions or billions of dollars for modernization of the military organisation. Otherwise, Canada may be left out in the international scene and become contented with its armed forces assuming a position as peacekeeping and self defence forces.

On the other hand, the Russian military is gradually regaining its military strength despite the collapse of the Soviet Union. The defence industry is on the rise. More than two decades ago, the defence system petered out but the reconstruction has been fast enough. Spending is picking up and the military is moving in the right direction. One of the most interesting aspects of military production by the Russian government is that it is less sophisticated that that of the United States. But with countries like Canada, it may be a different story. The nation’s economy may only be number 10 in the whole world. Nevertheless, it is still aspiring to become a military superpower once again.

Canada is determined to exercise its sovereignty as shown by Operation Nanook which it launched along with Denmark and the United States. This military exercise is aimed as a warning against Russia which happens to be its main rival in the area. The primary mission was to defend Ottawa’s sovereignty in the Far North particularly in the straits of Lancaster and Davis, Baffin Bay and Cornwallis Island. This may just be a minor incident but it is an indication of what will be expected in the event that a full blown confrontation takes place between the two countries. It will definitely be a demonstration of military power and capabilities between the Canadian and Soviet Armed Forces.

Definitions

  • Air force > Combat aircraft: Number of fighter aircrafts (fixed wing aircrafts with combat capability).
  • Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries: Compares the world's largest arms exporters, in millions of US Dollars. Data corresponds to the year 2010, and was compiled by SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), a think tank dedicated to the research of conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament in the world, with presence in Stockholm, Beijing and Washington DC.
  • Army > Attack helicopters: Number of attack helicopter (includes helicopters that have some attacking capabilities).
  • Army > Main battle tanks: Number of main battle tanks.
  • Budget: Annual defense budget in billion USD.
  • Global Peace Index: The Global Peace Index is comprised of 22 indicators in the three categories ongoing domestic or international conflicts; societal safety; and security and militarization. A low index value indicates a peaceful and safe country.
  • Military service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.
  • Navy > Aircraft carriers: Number of aircraft carriers.
  • Navy > Corvette warships: Number of corvettes.
  • Navy > Nuclear submarines: Number of nuclear submarines.
  • Navy > Submarines: Number of patrol boats (includes minesweepers).
  • Paramilitary personnel: Paramilitary.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Personnel > Per capita: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of sevice obligation.
  • War deaths: Battle-related deaths are deaths in battle-related conflicts between warring parties in the conflict dyad (two conflict units that are parties to a conflict). Typically, battle-related deaths occur in warfare involving the armed forces of the warring parties. This includes traditional battlefield fighting, guerrilla activities, and all kinds of bombardments of military units, cities, and villages, etc. The targets are usually the military itself and its installations or state institutions and state representatives, but there is often substantial collateral damage in the form of civilians being killed in crossfire, in indiscriminate bombings, etc. All deaths--military as well as civilian--incurred in such situations, are counted as battle-related deaths."
  • Armed forces personnel: Total armed forces (2000)
  • Military expenditures: This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). For countries with no military forces, this figure can include expenditures on public security and police.
  • Military branches: This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).
  • Expenditures > Percent of GDP: Current military expenditures as an estimated percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
  • Armed forces personnel > Total: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organisation, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces."
  • Personnel: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces.
  • Navy > Frigates: Number of frigates.
  • Navy > Destroyers: Number of destroyers.
  • Navy > Cruisers: Number of cruisers.
  • Branches: The names of the ground, naval, air, marine, and other defense or security forces
  • Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries per million people: Compares the world's largest arms exporters, in millions of US Dollars. Data corresponds to the year 2010, and was compiled by SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), a think tank dedicated to the research of conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament in the world, with presence in Stockholm, Beijing and Washington DC. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Military expenditure > Current LCU: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilisation, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)"
  • Highest military decorations > Name: Name of each country’s highest military decoration.
  • Air force > Aircraft carriers > Total: Total amount of aircraft carriers possessed by each country. 
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Armed forces personnel per 1000: Total armed forces (2000). Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Personnel per 1000: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Expenditure > Current LCU: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Nuclear weapons > Non-Proliferation treaty sign date: Signed.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Conscription: A description of the status of conscription in the nation in 1997.
  • Armed forces growth: Growth in the number of armed forces personnel from 1985 (index = 100) to 2000. 100 means no growth, 50 means it halved and 200 means it doubled.
  • Imports > USD: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services."
  • Defence spending > Percent of GDP: Defense expenditure as percentage of GDP. Figures are for the year 2010.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • Military expenditures > Percent of GDP: This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). For countries with no military forces, this figure can include expenditures on public security and police.
  • Conventional arms > Exports: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre).
  • Military spending > 2009 > USD billions: Defense expenditure of some countries in the year 2010.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • Exports > USD: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services."
  • Conventional arms > Exports per capita: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower > Military age: The minimum age at which an individual may volunteer for military service or be subject to conscription.
  • Conventional arms > Exports > Per $ GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Per $ GDP figures expressed per 1,000 $ gross domestic product.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Employment in arms > Production per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Allies of World War I > Personnel and casualties > Wounded in action per 1000: Troops of allied powers wounded in action in World War I. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Allies of World War I > Personnel and casualties > Wounded in action: Troops of allied powers wounded in action in World War I.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Personnel > % of total labor force: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Labor force comprises all people who meet the International Labour Organization's definition of the economically active population.
  • Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Expenditure > % of GDP: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Military expenditure > % of GDP: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilisation, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)"
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Armed forces personnel > % of total labor force: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organisation, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Labor force comprises all people who meet the International Labour Organisation's definition of the economically active population."
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita: Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Conventional arms > Exports, % of GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed as a proportion of GDP for the same year
  • Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Expenditure > % of central government expenditure: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
STAT Canada Russia HISTORY
Air force > Combat aircraft 100
Ranked 3rd.
1,900
Ranked 1st. 19 times more than Canada
Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries 276
Ranked 12th.
8,003
Ranked 2nd. 29 times more than Canada

Army > Attack helicopters 0.0
Ranked 5th.
1,655
Ranked 1st.
Army > Main battle tanks 235
Ranked 4th.
22,710
Ranked 1st. 97 times more than Canada
Budget 21 US$ BN
Ranked 1st.
93.76 US$ BN
Ranked 1st. 4 times more than Canada
Global Peace Index 1.31
Ranked 26th.
3.06
Ranked 8th. 2 times more than Canada

Military service age and obligation 17 years of age for voluntary male and female military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for Reserve and Military College applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service obligation 3-9 years 18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation is 1 year (conscripts can only be sent to combat zones after 6 months of training); reserve obligation to age 50; enrollment in military schools from the age of 16, cadets classified as members of the armed forces
Navy > Aircraft carriers 0.0
Ranked 5th.
1
Ranked 1st.
Navy > Corvette warships 5
Ranked 2nd.
70
Ranked 1st. 14 times more than Canada
Navy > Nuclear submarines 0.0
Ranked 3rd.
33
Ranked 1st.
Navy > Submarines 1
Ranked 2nd.
17
Ranked 1st. 17 times more than Canada
Paramilitary personnel 4,554
Ranked 77th.
449,000
Ranked 1st. 99 times more than Canada
Personnel > Per capita 2.2 per 1,000 people
Ranked 123th.
10.15 per 1,000 people
Ranked 28th. 5 times more than Canada

Service age and obligation 17 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for reserve and military college applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service obligation 3-9 years 18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation - 1 year; reserve obligation to age 50; as of July 2008, a draft military strategy called for the draft to continue up to the year 2030
War deaths 0.0
Ranked 195th.
339
Ranked 17th.

Armed forces personnel 59,000
Ranked 59th.
1.52 million
Ranked 2nd. 26 times more than Canada
Military expenditures 1.1% of GDP
Ranked 29th.
3.9% of GDP
Ranked 6th. 4 times more than Canada
Military branches Canadian Forces: Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canada Command (homeland security) Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (Vozdushno-Desantnyye Voyska, VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Aerospace Defense Troops (Voyska Vozdushno-Kosmicheskoy Oborony or Voyska VKO) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of the ground troops
Expenditures > Percent of GDP 1.1%
Ranked 122nd.
3.9%
Ranked 24th. 4 times more than Canada
Manpower fit for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Armed forces personnel > Total 64,000
Ranked 60th.
1.48 million
Ranked 5th. 23 times more than Canada

Personnel 71,000
Ranked 64th.
1.45 million
Ranked 4th. 20 times more than Canada

Navy > Frigates 12
Ranked 2nd. 2 times more than Russia
5
Ranked 1st.
Navy > Destroyers 3
Ranked 1st.
14
Ranked 1st. 5 times more than Canada
Navy > Cruisers 0.0
Ranked 3rd.
5
Ranked 1st.
Branches Canadian Forces: Land Forces Command (LFC), Maritime Command (MARCOM), Air Command (AIRCOM), Canada Command (homeland security) Ground Forces (SV), Navy (VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Troops (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops (KV) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of ground troops
Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries per million people 7.91
Ranked 12th.
55.76
Ranked 2nd. 7 times more than Canada

Military expenditure > Current LCU 22.27 billion
Ranked 56th.
1.69 trillion
Ranked 10th. 76 times more than Canada

Highest military decorations > Name The Victoria Cross of Canada The Gold Star
Air force > Aircraft carriers > Total 3
Ranked 8th.
7
Ranked 5th. 2 times more than Canada
Manpower reaching military age annually > Males 218,069
Ranked 51st.
693,843
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Canada

Armed forces personnel per 1000 1.92
Ranked 115th.
10.39
Ranked 21st. 5 times more than Canada
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males 227,435
Ranked 50th.
821,103
Ranked 14th. 4 times more than Canada

Manpower available for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Personnel per 1000 2.2
Ranked 122nd.
10.14
Ranked 28th. 5 times more than Canada

Expenditure > Current LCU 15379250000 808806000000
Nuclear weapons > Non-Proliferation treaty sign date 23 Jul 1968 (L, W) 29 Jul 1968 (M) 1 Jul 1968 (L, M, W)
Conscription No <a href=/graph-T/mil_con>conscription</a> (<a href=/encyclopedia/artificial-intelligence>AI</a>). <a href=/graph-T/mil_con>Conscription</a> exists (<a href=/encyclopedia/artificial-intelligence>AI</a>).
Armed forces growth -29%
Ranked 101st.
-71%
Ranked 126th. 2 times more than Canada
Imports > USD 434 million
Ranked 20th. 4 times more than Russia
100 million
Ranked 40th.

Defence spending > Percent of GDP 1.3%
Ranked 11th.
3.5%
Ranked 3rd. 3 times more than Canada
Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ 112 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 35th. 3 times more than Russia
40 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 50th.

Expenditures 1.1% of GDP
Ranked 61st.
3.9% of GDP
Ranked 12th. 4 times more than Canada
Military expenditures > Percent of GDP 1.1% of GDP
Ranked 54th.
3.9% of GDP
Ranked 11th. 4 times more than Canada
Conventional arms > Exports $543.00 million
Ranked 5th.
$6.20 billion
Ranked 1st. 11 times more than Canada
Military spending > 2009 > USD billions 19.2 53.3
Manpower fit for military service > Females age 16-49 None 26381518
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ 365 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 9th.
5.77 billion constant 1990 US$
Ranked 2nd. 16 times more than Canada

Employment in arms > Production 25,000
Ranked 24th.
835,000
Ranked 3rd. 33 times more than Canada
Exports > USD 215 million
Ranked 15th.
5.95 billion
Ranked 2nd. 28 times more than Canada

Conventional arms > Exports per capita $19.54
Ranked 10th.
$41.79
Ranked 2nd. 2 times more than Canada
Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people 6.25
Ranked 176th. 29% more than Russia
4.83
Ranked 214th.

Manpower > Availability > Males 8.07 million
Ranked 38th.
36.22 million
Ranked 8th. 4 times more than Canada

Manpower > Military age 16 years of age 18 years of age
Conventional arms > Exports > Per $ GDP 0.531 per $1,000
Ranked 14th.
4.4 per $1,000
Ranked 1st. 8 times more than Canada
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty > Signatures and Ratifications > Signature 24 SEP 1996 24 SEP 1996
Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 223,821
Ranked 41st.
1.29 million
Ranked 8th. 6 times more than Canada
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males 218,069
Ranked 51st.
693,843
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Canada
Manpower available for military service > Females age 16-49 7755550 34985115
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 11,300.66 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 11th.
40,324.61 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 3rd. 4 times more than Canada

Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 3.47 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 40th. 13 times more than Russia
0.27 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 84th.

Military expenditures > Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Figures > Date of information 2005 2005 est.
Employment in arms > Production per 1000 0.804
Ranked 29th.
5.72
Ranked 4th. 7 times more than Canada
Manpower > Availability > Females 7.81 million
Ranked 34th.
37.02 million
Ranked 7th. 5 times more than Canada

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males 6.65 million
Ranked 34th.
21.49 million
Ranked 10th. 3 times more than Canada

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 8.39 million
Ranked 36th.
36 million
Ranked 8th. 4 times more than Canada

Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 3.47 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 40th. 13 times more than Russia
0.27 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 85th.

Allies of World War I > Personnel and casualties > Wounded in action per 1000 4.6
Ranked 7th.
34.74
Ranked 2nd. 8 times more than Canada
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people 6.04
Ranked 179th. 30% more than Russia
4.64
Ranked 214th.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females 206,195
Ranked 52nd.
660,359
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Canada
Manpower > Fit for military service > Females 6.42 million
Ranked 32nd.
28.76 million
Ranked 7th. 4 times more than Canada

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000 259.69
Ranked 56th. 3% more than Russia
251.48
Ranked 77th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 7.16 million
Ranked 29th.
24 million
Ranked 6th. 3 times more than Canada

Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000 6.8
Ranked 114th.
9.05
Ranked 79th. 33% more than Canada
Allies of World War I > Personnel and casualties > Wounded in action 149,732
Ranked 6th.
4.95 million
Ranked 1st. 33 times more than Canada
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000 199.48
Ranked 72nd. 32% more than Russia
151.38
Ranked 153th.

Personnel > % of total labor force 0.4%
Ranked 132nd.
1.98%
Ranked 35th. 5 times more than Canada

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty > Signatures and Ratifications > Ratification 18 DEC 1998 30 JUN 2000
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Male 218069 693843
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Female 206195 660359
Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000 234.51
Ranked 95th.
260.8
Ranked 49th. 11% more than Canada

Expenditure > % of GDP 1.14%
Ranked 83th.
3.74%
Ranked 13th. 3 times more than Canada

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000 6.83
Ranked 157th. 18% more than Russia
5.78
Ranked 187th.

Military expenditure > % of GDP 1.46%
Ranked 68th.
4.33%
Ranked 9th. 3 times more than Canada

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females 206,195
Ranked 52nd.
660,359
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Canada
Armed forces personnel > % of total labor force 0.34%
Ranked 133th.
1.94%
Ranked 28th. 6 times more than Canada

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people 6.04
Ranked 177th. 30% more than Russia
4.64
Ranked 212th.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.224 per capita
Ranked 10th. 5% more than Russia
0.213 per capita
Ranked 27th.

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita 6.49 per 1,000 people
Ranked 180th. 17% more than Russia
5.55 per 1,000 people
Ranked 205th.

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.263 per capita
Ranked 71st.
0.272 per capita
Ranked 55th. 3% more than Canada

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita 6.85 per 1,000 people
Ranked 176th. 17% more than Russia
5.84 per 1,000 people
Ranked 208th.

Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 11.3 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 11th.
40.31 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 3rd. 4 times more than Canada

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000 6.47
Ranked 158th. 18% more than Russia
5.51
Ranked 188th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000 221.53
Ranked 12th. 32% more than Russia
167.66
Ranked 85th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000 192.63
Ranked 82nd.
202.61
Ranked 66th. 5% more than Canada

Conventional arms > Exports, % of GDP 0.0932%
Ranked 15th.
1.2%
Ranked 3rd. 13 times more than Canada
Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000 242.27
Ranked 105th.
255.16
Ranked 81st. 5% more than Canada

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people 6.31
Ranked 177th. 30% more than Russia
4.87
Ranked 216th.
Expenditure > % of central government expenditure 6.28%
Ranked 28th.
18.76%
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Canada

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females 215,556
Ranked 50th.
781,570
Ranked 14th. 4 times more than Canada

SOURCES: Wikipedia: List of countries by level of military equipment (List); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_industry#World.27s_largest_arms_exporters

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
; http://www.visionofhumanity.org/#/page/indexes/global-peace-index, Global Rankings. Vision of Humanity.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wikipedia: List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel (The list); World Development Indicators database; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; Uppsala Conflict Data Program, http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/.; IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance.; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_industry#World.27s_largest_arms_exporters

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Yearbook: Armaments, Disarmament and International Security.; Wikipedia: List of highest military decorations; Wikipedia: List of aircraft carriers by country (Number of aircraft carriers by operating nation); IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; World Development Indicators database. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: List of parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (Ratified or acceded states); Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva, Switzerland, 1997. Data collected from the nations concerned, unless otherwise indicated. Acronyms: Amnesty International (AI); European Council of Conscripts Organizations (ECCO); Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC); International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHFHR); National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO); Service, Peace and Justice in Latin America (SERPAJ); War Resisters International (WRI); World Council of Churches (WCC); calculated on the basis of data on armed forces from IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press; Stockholm International Peace Research Institute: The SIPRI Military Expenditure Database; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm.; Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC); SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007; Wikipedia: List of countries by military expenditures; Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005; 1. The War Office (2006) [1922]. Statistics of the military effort of the British Empire during the Great War 1914—1920. Uckfield, East Sussex: Military and Naval Press; 2. Gilbert Martin (1994). Atlas of World War I. Oxford University Press; 3. Tucker Spencer C (1999). The European Powers in the First World War: An Encyclopedia. New York: Garland. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; 1. The War Office (2006) [1922]. Statistics of the military effort of the British Empire during the Great War 1914—1920. Uckfield, East Sussex: Military and Naval Press; 2. Gilbert Martin (1994). Atlas of World War I. Oxford University Press; 3. Tucker Spencer C (1999). The European Powers in the First World War: An Encyclopedia. New York: Garland.; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm. GDP figures sourced from World Bank national accounts data, and OECD National Accounts data files.

Citation

6

There is a distinct difference between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Soviet Armed Forces. Canada has a small force while the Russian Federation has four military districts comprised of 57 divisions. Russian nuclear capability is one of the most potent in the world compared to small forces like the Canadian Military Establishment. It is very clear that Canada cannot match the military build-up of Russia.

However, it is very clear that the Canadian Government subscribes to a self-defence mode unlike Russia which strives to maintain its superpower status. However, the two nations have similar organizational structures for their respective armed forces. Canada also relies on recruitment while Russia depends on conscription to get citizens into joining the Soviet military. The Russian government is also spending billions for the modernization program of its armed forces.

The armed forces of Canada do not have sufficient funding and is confronted with the spectre of a disorganised procurement plan and schedule. The military is not up to par when compared to other developed nations like the United States, China and Russia. In fact, the government should give serious thought about the future of the Canadian Armed Forces. The question is whether politicians are willing to pour millions or billions of dollars for modernization of the military organisation. Otherwise, Canada may be left out in the international scene and become contented with its armed forces assuming a position as peacekeeping and self defence forces.

On the other hand, the Russian military is gradually regaining its military strength despite the collapse of the Soviet Union. The defence industry is on the rise. More than two decades ago, the defence system petered out but the reconstruction has been fast enough. Spending is picking up and the military is moving in the right direction. One of the most interesting aspects of military production by the Russian government is that it is less sophisticated that that of the United States. But with countries like Canada, it may be a different story. The nation’s economy may only be number 10 in the whole world. Nevertheless, it is still aspiring to become a military superpower once again.

Canada is determined to exercise its sovereignty as shown by Operation Nanook which it launched along with Denmark and the United States. This military exercise is aimed as a warning against Russia which happens to be its main rival in the area. The primary mission was to defend Ottawa’s sovereignty in the Far North particularly in the straits of Lancaster and Davis, Baffin Bay and Cornwallis Island. This may just be a minor incident but it is an indication of what will be expected in the event that a full blown confrontation takes place between the two countries. It will definitely be a demonstration of military power and capabilities between the Canadian and Soviet Armed Forces.

Posted on 09 Apr 2014

chris.lockyer781

chris.lockyer781

396 Stat enthusiast

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