Medvedev reveals Russian nuclear defence shield
Friday, 26 Sep 2008 19:33
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev says military improvements will be made
President Dmitry Medvedev has said the Russian military are to build a nuclear missile defence shield as part of an increased build-up of the country's armed forces.
The Russian leader has ordered a wholesale reorganisation of its military, which could spark an arms race in a similar mould to the Cold War competition with the United States during the 20th century.
In comments made to the nation's military commanders after attending exercises in the southern Urals region of Orenburg, Mr Medvedev spoke of an "improved system of air and space defence" against possible nuclear attack.
The organization of the armed forces will also be overhauled by December, he added.
"All combat formations must be upgraded to a permanent readiness category," Mr Medvedev explained.
"[We will begin] mass production of warships, primarily nuclear cruisers carrying cruise missiles and multi-purpose submarines.
"A guaranteed nuclear deterrent system for various military and political circumstances must be provided by 2020."
Mr Medvedev's pledge comes as relations with the West have soured in recent months following the conflict with neighbouring Georgia, when Russian troops occupied regions on the border and marched on the capital Tbilisi.
And his assertion that "war can flare up suddenly and can be absolutely real" seems to hint at the possibility of this kind of conflict being repeated in the future.