Russia takes major step towards stronger army, navy - Putin
MOSCOW. Feb 20 (Interfax) - The task of the Russian Armed Forces is to provide a fast and adequate response to any threat, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.
"Our Armed Forces always must be ready to act quickly, and adequately, in responding to any potential threat, and foiling any provocation and aggression," he said at a ceremony on the occasion of the Fatherland Defender's Day at the Kremlin on Saturday.
Recently, Russia has made "a serious step to strengthen its army and navy: each year the Aerospace Force and the Navy's capabilities and the strategic-deterrence potential are increasing, military groups are being reinforced in key strategic areas," the president said.
"The troops are raising the level of their operational and combat skills, army units and formations are routinely supplied with brand new weapons and military equipment, and the Russian defense industry aims to create and manufacture modern weapon systems," the president said.
"Strengthening and developing Russia's Armed Forces, and entire military organization, will always be the most important task of our state," Putin said.