MOSCOW: The Russian Defense Ministry will purchase about 200 aircraft and helicopters, up to 30 surface ships and submarines and up to 600 armored vehicles annually, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov said at a briefing conference for foreign military attaches.
“There are plans to purchase 70-100 aircraft, more than 120 helicopters, up to 30 surface ships, submarines, special ships and support vessels and up to 600 armored vehicles annually,” Gerasimov said.
According to him, particular attention will be paid to the development of the Navy and the Aerospace Force to protect Russia’s strategic interests.
The 2011-2020 state armaments program focuses on developing strategic nuclear forces, space, reconnaissance and communications capabilities.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the final meeting of the Defense Ministry’s board on December 11, 2015 that modern military hardware in strategic forces made up 55%.
According to him, the proportion of modern military hardware in the Aerospace Force and the Navy accounts for 52% and less than 40%, correspondingly.
According to Shoigu, the Russian Defense Ministry has received almost 250 modern aircraft in 2015.
In 2016, the Russian Defense Ministry is expected to receive more than 200 advanced and upgraded aerial vehicles.
Two submarines and eight surface ships have arrived for the Russian Navy in 2015. In 2016, the Navy is expected to receive seven ships and two submarines.
