Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, during remarks made to graduates of higher military schools, emphasized the importance of Russia’s nuclear armaments with respect to improving the armed forces. He stated: “Nearly half of the units and formations of the Strategic Missile Forces have been equipped with the latest Yars [missile] systems, forces are being converted to advanced missile systems with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. The first Sarmat launcher systems with a new heavy missile will enter combat duty shortly.”
He continued: “The arsenals of the air and naval components of the Strategic Nuclear Forces are being stocked in strict conformity with our plans. For example, the master submarine of the new Borei-A project has joined the Navy. In January 2023, the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, was put on combat duty. It is intended for open-ocean missions and is armed with cutting-edge Tsirkon hypersonic missiles.