Originally Posted by
Not_a_boffin
Comparisons with Russian spend are perhaps irrelevant. Comparisons with the NATO minimum contribution may be more illuminating - as might be a discussion on where the more valuable capabilities in NATO might be found.
Turns out we have more than enough conventional capability, air power in particular. Russian forces would be swept aside with ease. I suspect Vlad has got this message loud and clear, hence his threats to go nuclear - that's all he has left in the locker.
Not a view that you would have got much support for one week ago.
Yup, I think people were taken in by all the Russian propaganda (e.g. all that S400/Su57 blah blah BS). Personally I had my doubts about their capabilities, given their leaden performances in Syria, Libya, their non-intervention in Nagorno-Karabakh etc. The signs were definitely there.