Putin: New Weapons Will Maintain Russia's Might for Decades

Moscow, May 16 (AP) Russia's new weapons, including an array of new nuclear systems, will ensure the country's security for decades to come, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with top military brass.

Speaking in Sochi, Putin said yesterday that the new systems unveiled this year will significantly increase Russia's military capabilities and "ensure a strategic balance for decades."

The Russian leader presented an array of new nuclear weapons in March that he said can't be intercepted. They include a new heavy intercontinental ballistic missile; a nuclear-powered global range cruise missile; and an underwater drone designed to strike coastal facilities with a heavy nuclear weapon.

Putin said at yesterday's meeting that the development of the weapons would remain a high priority.

He also mentioned other weapons systems, including the prospective S-500 air defence system that is meant to be precise and powerful enough to hit targets in space.

Putin said the strategic nuclear forces should receive new batches of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles to replace the older Topol ICBMs. Also in the pipeline are modernised Tu-160 and Tu-95 strategic bombers equipped with long-range cruise missiles and the new Borei-class nuclear submarines armed with ICBMs.

The navy, Putin said, will commission more warships armed with Kalibr cruise missiles that the military tested during the war in Syria.

The Russian president said the army will receive a range of new armoured vehicles, including the new Armata main battle tanks.

The Kremlin has made military modernisation a top priority as Russia-West ties plummeted to post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis, the war in Syria and other disputes. (AP) CK

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