Russian army to acquire 40 more powerful ICBMs in 2015 - Putin

Source : http://m.rbth.co.uk

Over 40 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) will enter service in the Russian army in 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"This year our nuclear forces will acquire over 40 new ICBMs that will be capable of overcoming any, even the most technically sophisticated missile defense systems," the president said at the opening of the Army-2015 international defense industry forum on June 16.

"We did and will pay particular attention to implementing the government's large-scale armament and defense industry modernization program," the president said.

Vladimir Putin said that the proportion of modern weapons in the Russian army will reach 70 percent in five years' time and for certain types even 100 percent.

"The share of modern types of weapon should increase to 70 percent by 2020, and in some cases to 100 percent," the president said.

"These are really serious figures," he said.

Hopefully, "our defense manufacturers and research and design centers will do their utmost to ensure these plans are implemented properly and on time," he said.

"It is obvious that the efficiency of our defense industry is an important growth resource for our entire economy," the Russian president said.