SOCHI. Nov 28 (Interfax) - Russia is aware of the potential of unmanned aircraft but it will not use them the way other states do, President Vladimir Putin said at an Air Force development conference on Thursday.
"Their [drones'] use is broadening in the world. But we will not act in the way the other countries do. This is not a game, a computer game, these are serious combat systems, assault and reconnaissance [vehicles], which obviously have great potential," Putin said.
A total of 86 planes and more than 100 helicopters were delivered to the forces in 2013 consistent with the state defense procurement plans, the president said. The delivery of 120 planes and 90 helicopters is expected next year. In all, the Air Force will obtain almost 1,600 brand new aircraft by 2020, which will bring the share of modern hardware to 70%.
The president insisted that the delivery schedules must be honored and the quality of aircraft must be controlled.