VLADIVOSTOK. Aug 28 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian President Vladimir Putin determined the priorities for the Pacific Fleet at a meeting with the fleet's commanders in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
"The key objective of the Pacific Fleet is to maintain the combat readiness of units and formations, particularly of the strategic nuclear forces," Putin said.
"Special attention must be paid to implementation of tactical tasks, such as cooperation with our neighbors similarly to the way it was done during maneuvers on the Caspian," he said. "Next year's military component should be planned with an exercise of this type, here," he said. The defense minister will deal with this issue, he said.
Russia's Navy "should comply with the tough contemporary requirements and be ready to appropriately respond to any challenges and threats. Unfortunately, they are still abundant," he said.
Russia's naval strategy through 2020 has been adopted, he recalled. The prime minister heads the new military collegial assembly, he noted. However, Russia's defense capabilities depend on the economy. "If the economy expands, the Armed Forces and the Navy will develop," he said.