MOSCOW. Nov 17 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said the condition of the permanent-readiness units' combat potential has not been raised significantly in 2004.
"In 2004, we failed to improve the quality and increase the combat potential of the permanent-readiness units and formations to a level allowing us to rapidly form a mobile and self-sufficient grouping at any strategic area that comes under threat," Ivanov told a conference of high-level military officials in Moscow on Wednesday.
"What I mean is a grouping that could effectively ensure the state's military security, localize armed conflicts and act under the conditions of an emergency situation," he said.
"Nor have we managed to improve the quality of our permanent- readiness units. Only 64% of their total number fully comply with the requirements, as compared to 62% in 2003," Ivanov said.
"Only the permanent-readiness units of the Far Eastern Military District and of the naval coastal forces fully comply with these requirements," the Russian defense minister said.