MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax-AVN) - The development of strategic nuclear forces and the growth of combat in the main strike forces will be top priorities in developing the Russian army throughout the next year, Russia's Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov said.
"The main direction in the development of the Armed Forces this year will be to maintain the status of strategic offensive and defensive forces at such a level as to ensure a secure accomplishment of missions in deterrence against any aggression targeting the Russian Federation and its allies," Gerasimov said during his meeting with foreign military attaches on Monday.
An additional priority "will be the enhancement in the capacity the main strike forces, and [the enhancement of the] command and control systems of the strategic deterrence forces, [bringing the systems] up to such a level as to ensure the enemy's guaranteed unacceptable damage under all operating conditions".
In addition, the Aerospace Forces' capacities in fighting against enemy's modern and advanced aerospace offensive means will be raised, as well as combat capacities of the joint force groupings of Russian military districts, he said.
Gerasimov emphasized that it is planned to modernize the system of scientific research institutions under the Defense Ministry and to develop relations with the allied nations, particularly within the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.