MOSCOW. Feb 11 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN) guarantee strategic deterrence in the long term, said RVSN Commander Col. Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov.
"We have confidence that the RVSN, as part of the Russian strategic nuclear forces, will guarantee strategic deterrence in the long term. Our scientific, technical, and design potential enables us to flexibly react to any emerging challenges and threats to Russia's security," Solovtsov said in an interview published in the Wednesday issue of Krasnaya Zvezda.
The RVSN development plans for the period up to 2016 "envision their reduction in quantitative terms and simultaneously their qualitative reform," Solovtsov said. "Missile systems with extended service life will account for about 20 percent and new missile systems for at least 80 percent of the forces. The systems of combat command of the troops and weapons will undergo qualitative improvement first of all as regards the enhancement of their ability to overcome missile defenses and the improvement of warheads' viability," he said.
These and other measures will ensure the maintenance of "the essential balance with the U.S. not only in terms of nuclear missile weapons but also, what is even more important, in terms of ensuring nuclear deterrence in view of the planned deployment of a U.S. global missile defense system," he said.