Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, pledged to modernise the military in a speech made on the 18^th October 2007. On a personnel level, he said, the needs of both active and ex-members of the Russian armed forces would be met. On an equipment level, President Putin highlighted how the military would be substantially rearmed.

On the same day, Russia test-launched a new ballistic missile - images of which were broadcast on national television.

Mr Putin affirmed that Moscow would put “significant” emphasis on what he dubbed the “nuclear trio” – strategic bombers, nuclear submarines and intercontinental ballistic missiles. "Our plans are not simply considerable, but huge. At the same time they are absolutely realistic", he said. "I have no doubts that we will accomplish them."

The president stated that Russia would carry on implementing upgrades throughout the armed forces, with an aim to achieving full rearmament within eight years. Among the other plans are the development of a fifth-generation combat jet fighter by 2015, and the introduction into service of the Iskander-M missile system.

"Our armed forces will be compact and very efficient, and they will guarantee this country's security for years to come", asserted President Putin.

The intercontinental ballistic missile launched two days ago was the Topol RS-12M. In a statement issued by the Strategic Missile Forces, it was confirmed that the missile, having left the base at Plesetsk, successfully made contact with its target. This, the statement added, was located on the peninsula of Kamchatka.

Again, on Thursday 18^th October, Russia signed an agreement with India under which terms the two nations will cooperate on developing components for the new fighter jet. The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of Russian-built Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and Mig 29s among other types. 

Source – Armed Forces International’s East European Correspondent

Recent related News Items:

Russia Reconsiders US Missile Defence Shield

Russian Air Force Test Sees Huge Fuel-Air Bomb Dropped

Russian AF Bombers Violate UK Airspace Again

Russia Launches Long Range Ballistic Missile