MOSCOW. Feb 21 (Interfax-AVN) - The role of nuclear weapons in the deterrence of a potential aggressor will decline thanks to the development of precision-guidance weapons, although the development of strategic nuclear forces has remained an unconditional priority, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"The development of strategic nuclear sources remains our unconditional priority in the area [of defending national interests]. Nuclear weapons guarantee that Russia can deter any aggression of any foreign state," Shoigu said at MGIMO University on Tuesday.
"The role of nuclear weapons in the deterrence of a potential aggressor will be declining in the future. First of all, that will happen because of the development of precision-guidance weapons, such as the Kalibr seaborne cruise missiles that have been successfully used against terrorists in Syria, Iskander complexes of the Ground Forces, and modern missiles for strategic aircraft," he said.