Russia to boost military capabilities in 2015
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 14, 2015 9:19AM
Russia's top general says the country plans to boost its military capabilities in the Crimean peninsula, the Arctic and the westernmost Kaliningrad region, amid NATO expansion in Eastern Europe.
General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, said Tuesday that the Russian Defense Ministry will focus on reinforcing its military in the three named regions during this year.
"In 2015, the Defense Ministry's main efforts will focus on an increase of combat capabilities of the armed forces and increasing the military staff in accordance with military construction plans," said Gerasimov, adding, "Much attention will be given to the groupings in Crimea, Kaliningrad, and the Arctic."
Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said the Russian armed forces are set to receive this year some 700 armored and 1,550 other vehicles, 126 planes, 88 helicopters, and two Iskander-M missile systems. The Russian navy will also receive five surface warships and two multi-purpose submarines.
In addition, 10 military airfields in the Arctic are to be reconstructed, which would bring the number of operational sites to 14.
The presented plans to boost the country's military capabilities follow the adoption of a new military doctrine signed last month by President Vladimir Putin.
The doctrine stresses the need for Russia to protect its interest in the Arctic, listing NATO military buildup as an external risk.
The western military alliance has increased its military presences and held a number of war games in Eastern Europe in recent months amid the crisis in Ukraine.
The West accuses Russia of fueling tensions in eastern Ukraine, where Kiev troops are fighting pro-Russian forces since last April.
Moscow rejects the accusation, with Putin saying Russia poses no threat to anyone.
CAH/MKA
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