Vladimir Putin Praises Russian Army As One of the Most Modern in World, Urges More Modernization
In the era of advancing technologies Russia should achieve the unquestionable advantage in the military technology. This goal Vladimir Putin set today. The President gave a talk at the military conference where they assessed the results of Syrian mission. The results have crucial significance both for the military and the Defence Contractors.
Dmitry Petrov will comment on the conclusions made for the defence industry and the military.
The Army Forces and the Navy officers, commanders — many of them carried out operations in Syria. Today, in the Supreme Headquarters with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief they summarized the results of Syrian operation. First off, in advanced military technology.
Vladimir Putin: "We discussed it already, but today we will carry out a more comprehensive assessment and we will do it honestly, not acting with regard to any authorities. If we close the eyes to some weaknesses, tomorrow it will affect the military capabilities of the Armed Forces. But based on the experience we gained, we should constantly improve our military potential, and invent new highly advanced military technology".
During the operation in Syria the Russian military tried 215 types of advanced military weapons. APKWS proved their efficiency, Navy and Air Force long range missiles, the Kalibr cruise missile and K101. In real combat operations strategic aircrafts were used for the first time, and navy SU 33 and MIG 29K. S-400 air defence missile systems and shell systems allowed to fully control the sky over Syria. During all this period, the Defence Industry employees were next to their weapons.
Vladimir Putin: "During Syrian mission Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus naval base saw over 1200 representative of 57 Defense Institutions, Defense Industry and Research Organizations, their work enabled on-the-spot detection of 99% weapons malfunctions. The colleagues in attendance know that as these malfunctions were detected, sometimes, unexpectedly, during our meetings they did not sugarcoat anything, they spoke very openly and sometimes emotionally".
It all became possible only as a follow-up of the rearmament programme. Today 60% of the Naval and Air Forces are equipped with advanced weapons and armor.
Vladimir Putin: "In terms of strategic capabilities, the Russian Armed Forces maintain one of the strongest positions in the world. In some weapons systems we have no equals. We should not be day-dreaming, obviously, we do know about the development of weapons in other countries, that's why we shouldn't have any illusions. But we should always be one step ahead of the game".
In the state-run weapons programme, planned till 2027, the main emphasis is on developing a new generation of strike weapons.
The intent to incorporate Syrian experience into military training was discussed at the in the session with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. It was a private session as they discussed the state and military secrets but no doubt that the tactics of combat deployment for action we'll see very soon during the next military exercises.
Dmitry Petrov, Alexandra Terpugova, Andrei Melnikov and Mikhail Devyatkin, Vesti