MOSCOW, April 9. /TASS/. Russia’s defense-industrial complex will triple the production of missiles for air defense and missile defense complexes this year in contrast to 2014 parameters, a reliable source at the Defense Ministry has told TASS.
"The defense-industrial complex has been ordered to step up the production of missiles manufactured for air defense and missile defense complexes by 200%, which is to considerably increase the capabilities of the newly-created arm of the Russian armed forces — the Air and Space Force," the source said, adding that the production of missiles would grow by thousands.
"Alongside this the task was set to increase production rates and at the same time reduce the deployment deadlines for new systems and complexes of the air and anti-missile defense in various regions of the country, including Crimea and the Arctic," the source said.
The deputy commander of Russia’s Air and Space Defense Force, Major-General Kirill Makarov, said last week the risk of a potential global strike by the United States was the main reason behind the measures for strengthening the air and anti-missile defense. He said the development of air and anti-missile defense systems was a priority.