SEVEROMORSK, Russia. Jan 11 (Interfax) - Russia is designing new-generation warships and submarines and will be modernizing the navy's arsenal at an accelerated pace, President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday.
"Developing a powerful, effective navy is one of Russia's key priorities. We will consistently develop submarine and surface groups, strengthen the general-purpose forces and the sea component of the strategic nuclear forces," Putin, who is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said during a ceremony at which he bestowed the Order of Nakhimov state honor on the heavy nuclear-powered submarine Pyotr Veliky (Peter the Great).
"In forthcoming years, the navy is to be reinforced with more than 100 new surface ships and submarines of various classes. We will definitely carry out this large-scale program," he said.
He mentioned Thursday's commissioning of Borei-class nuclear-powered submarine Yury Dolgoruky.
"We will build up the pace of renovation and development of the navy," he said.