MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. Russia will increase the strength of its armed forces to effectively protect its independence and security, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has said.

"For the effective defense of the independence and security of our state a package of measures will be taken to increase the strength of the armed forces," he said at a special meeting.

Medvedev noted that there were plans to form 1 more army corps, 7 divisions, 19 brigades, 49 regiments and 1 flotilla next year.