Q&A · 2:51:34-2:52:13

Why inheriting Soviet weapons did not equal usable power

Rapid deactivation and arms sales shape the response to a hypothetical transfer of the entire Soviet arsenal.

Question

What if Russia inherited every Soviet weapon at the breakup of the USSR?

Short answer

The reply points to rapid equipment deactivation and extensive arms sales, without calculating what Russia could have retained or operated.

Notes

Rapid deactivation of Soviet equipment during the breakup period and subsequent arms sales complicate the proposed transfer of every weapon to modern Russia. Clarke invokes Lord of War and judges that the film understates the disorder of that period to remain believable. He gives no complete inventory or detailed sustainment calculation.