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Putin calls to prepare S-500 missile system for mass production

The Russian leader also called for rearming 14 regiments with Yars ballistic missile systems

© The Russian Ministry of Defense

SOCHI, May 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday further efforts are needed to improve anti-precision warfare tools and called to prepare S-500 missile systems for mass production.

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"One of the key tasks is to improve anti-precision warfare means. It is necessary to develop and build up technological groundwork in the area of air defense, to continue modernization of Pantsir systems, to finish the development and preparations for mass production of the S-500 newest systems capable of hitting targets at super-high altitudes, including near-the-earth space," he said at a meeting with Russia’s top brass and executives of defense-sector enterprises.

The meeting with Armed Forces commanders and defense industry executives was attended by acting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov and other officials.

Putin also called for continuing modernization of the strategic nuclear forces and rearming 14 regiments with Yars intercontinental ballistic missile systems before the end of December.

"Strategic nuclear forces have key significance for defense and security," he said. "Pursuant to provisions of the state program for armaments, we'll continue replacement of the outdated Topol missile complexes with the newest Yars systems and will put them on the tables of equipment at fourteen missile regiments."

The Russian president also said that Russia’s nuclear triad will be boosted with modernized Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers, carrying advanced X-101 and X-102 strategic cruise missiles. He added that the construction of five Borey-class strategic nuclear submarines must continue on schedule.

"In recent years, we have been doing a lot to boost the armed forces," Putin said. "Their structure and numbers have been optimized, snap checks are being carried out regularly in all military branches, military units receive new weapons and equipment on a regular basis."

The Russian leader added that this year Russia rolled out advanced weapons systems, unmatched by foreign rivals.

"We know that they are at various degrees of completion. We will keep an eye on those issues," Putin said.

While delivering his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly, Putin announced the development and tests of new strategic weapons, including the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, the Kinzhal hypersonic complex, a nuclear cruise missile, as well as an underwater drone capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.

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