RZHEVKA (Leningrad region), July 31 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian military has started work on the creation of the National Defense Center, which will enhance the operational management of the armed forces and ensure prompt response to strategic threats, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.
“We have begun the creation of such a center. It is a lot of work. We have already outlined the main criteria for the center,” Shoigu said.
According to the minister, the center will consolidate command over the country’s armed forces, especially the nuclear triad and rapid reaction forces. It will also allow real-time monitoring of day-to-day activities of military units around the country.
Col. Gen. Pavel Popov, who has been deputy emergencies minister since 2008, will be reassigned to the Defense Ministry and oversee the creation of the center, Shoigu said.
The Russian Armed Forces are in the midst of a major program of reform, including a gradual transition to an all-volunteer makeup, organizational changes and re-equipment with advanced weapons.
The current strength of the Russian military is estimated at 1,040,000 personnel in active service and 2,035,000 in reserve.
