Russian President Vladimir Putin convened a meeting of top military and related government and defense industry officials at the Kremlin yesterday to discuss the development of the armed forces of Russia as well as of the defense industry. The bulk of his public remarks were devoted to the accomplishments of the last several years which have seen advances in the capabilities of the Russian military. “In particular, during the past few years we have seriously renewed and adjusted our strategic planning documents in the area of defense and military security,” he said. “This was done not only in light of the current realities, but also with due regard for the nature of potential threats and challenges.” (http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/65653)
Putin reported that all of the training plans of 2020 were accomplished despite the coronavirus pandemic; that 85% of operational commanders as well as all commanders of combined-arms, Air Force and Air Defense units have gained combat experience in Syria; and that the Army and the Navy have been upgraded with new weapons, which includes the strengthening of the capabilities of the nuclear triad. Putin also declared “that the leading defense enterprise received substantial state support during the pandemic. This support allowed them to maintain their production facilities, keep their promising contracts and, of course, preserve their uniquely skilled personnel.
