Later on the President made a symbolic statement to the effect that Russian strategic missile forces would be equipped with the newest intercontinental missile complexes in the nearest future. These complexes are able to hit their targets in any part of any continent with the hypersonic speed, high accuracy and able to alter their initial flight pattern as far as the altitude and the course are concerned," stated the head of Russia. According to him no other country has such systems. "And this fact gives us every ground to assert that taking into consideration the already available defense means Russia guarantees its security for many years ahead," said President Putin.
The head of state did not rule out a probability of the creation of anti-missile defense system of Russia. "Antimissile defense system has being elaborated for decades. At some stage we can turn to creation of new antimissile systems," the head of state explained. He also stressed that this activity's main principals are military efficiency at a minimal cost.
"We will watch how other countries solve this problem, keeping our efforts at a constant pace," he said.
The President emphasized that "there are no aggressive intentions behind strengthening and modernization of the Russian armed forces. The only goal is to defend its citizens and to protect its national interests." Vladimir Putin has also said that Russia has neither imperial nor hegemonic ambitions.
"Russia has its national interests, and them she will protect and defend in juridical and economic ways as well as with the use of the razor-edged technologies," the President said.
According to him Russia together with its nuclear club partners bears responsibility for nuclear security. "At the same time our military potential should answer adequately today's challenges," the head of state said.
Russian President emphasised that the development of new and the modernisation of existing weapons in Russia are not intended against any country including the USA. - 0 - (muz/sm)
