Putin's 'preparing for NATO war' as Russian aircraft and ship production skyrockets

Russia is preparing for a longer-term conflict with NATO as aircraft and ship building increases, experts have said. Data suggests that the country's defence industry has received a boost in investment as it also produces drones, fighting vehicles, which, along with air force and navy kit, form "several of the key platforms that Russia would likely rely on in a future war with NATO", the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggested.

Vladimir Putin's domain increased its industrial production by 2.6% between April and May 2025, data from the Russian Ministry of Defense-affiliated Center of Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting published on June 26 indicated. Specialists add that the majority of this increase is due to a "sharp" rise in Russia's defense industrial output. The state's monthly aircraft production rate, for example, increased by 16.9% in May 2025 compared to April 2025, and is 1.6 times greater than 2024 monthly production rates.

In addition, it was reported that naval and aircraft production capacity has risen by 16% between February and May 2025.

The ISW wrote: "The center's data suggests that Russia is attempting to expand its shipbuilding and aircraft production capacity, which are medium- to long-term efforts and likely part of Russia's ongoing force restructuring and regeneration efforts in preparation for a longer-term conflict with NATO."

It added: "Satellite imagery of select armored vehicle repair plants in Russia provides further evidence that Russia is increasing its ability to produce IFVs [infantry fighting vehicles]."

Despite this uptick, its has also been reported that Russia has had to rely on Soviet-era armoured vehicles, and motorbikes manufactured in China.

Sir Keir Starmer said on June 26 that "there is a path to a just and lasting peace, but it will only come through flipping the pressure onto Putin".

"His position is weaker than he claims," the Prime Minister added.

"So I urge all our partners, including the US, to step up the pressure now, with more sanctions and more military support to bring Russia to the table to agree an unconditional ceasefire, leading to serious negotiations."

The Baltic states - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania - used to be under the Soviet Union's sphere of influence, and today view Russia as a potential aggressor, particularly in light of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.