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 decline in the future. First of all, that will happen because of the development of precision-guidance weapons, such as 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.
The Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN) are being equipped with advanced missile systems, the Navy is receiving new nuclear-powered submarines with ballistic and cruise missiles, which have no equals in the world, the Tupolev Tu-160 and Tu-95MS are being actively upgraded.
"This will allow for bringing the percentage of strategic nuclear forces equipped with advanced weapons to 90% on the whole, the RVSN - to 62% by the end of 2020. I am confident that this will discourage any potential aggressor from encroaching on the security of our country," Shoigu said.