I think their biggest problem is they are doing a lot more with a lot less. This is just a casual observance, but it seems like the Russians these days have a lot fewer career military than in the past, not to mention their budgets in the tanker for some things. I’ve read that they’ve even had problems with paying their service members. If that’s the case, it’s a wonder they have anything that doesn’t end up on the bottom.
If I may add - looking at Russian design (industrial or military) over the last 75 years - they always seem to build larger and more grand than the West. It doesn't mean more sophisticated, sound or advanced.
Um, this article was written in 2000..
I don't think that's an issue anymore, since the subs haven't been sinking lately. (Except for that museum sub after the Northeaster)..