All news

Putin: Operation in Syria has shown Russian army's combat readiness has grown

According to the president, stability in the defense industry is important for support of the national economy at large

SOCHI, November 9. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the operation in Syria has shown the combat readiness of the armed forces has grown.

"Timely measures have enhanced the combat readiness and capabilities of our armed forces. This is well-seen in the anti-terrorist operation we have been conducting at the request of the Syrian leadership," Putin told a conference devoted to the state of affairs in the defense-industrial complex.

He noted the stable operation of Russian defense-industrial complex enterprises, which were providing the armed forces with advanced missile systems and nuclear-powered and multi-role submarines, as well as surface ships.

"The fleet of combat aircraft and air defense forces is being upgraded. So are the weapons and equipment of the ground and airborne forces," Putin said.

Surprise checks and military exercises, too, have demonstrated the high combat readiness of the armed forces. He described Centre-2015 as the most significant exercise.

"It is obvious that the conclusions and proposals following the results of the exercises and drills should be used as the basis for plans to build up and develop the arms and services of the armed forces in 2016-2020," Putin said.

Stability in defense industry is important for support of economy on the whole

According to the president, stability in the defense industry is important for support of the national economy at large and the sector proper with hundreds of thousands employees.

"[The defense technology sphere] is highly important for the integrated development of the economy on the whole and in order to maintain the social stability," the head of state said at the meeting on defense industry problems. "I mean many people and skilled specialists are working in this sphere - these are hundreds and hundreds of thousands together with the family members," Putin said.

A traditional series of meetings on the defense industry topics starts on Monday, the president said. The status of the industry and performance of the government defense order will be discussed and "our plans will be aligned with real life and recently completed drills," Putin said. "Furthermore, we will review progress in our activities of strengthening the national security," the president added.