"We are strengthening our defense capability. The combat readiness of our armed forces today is, I say confidently, at the highest place in the world, at the highest place in the world. The same applies to our defense industry — we are increasing the production of everything that is needed for our armies and fleets. Moreover, both at the moment and in the future, we are doing this quite confidently, at a fast pace, which cannot be said about our opponents," Putin said at the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.
Russian army's successes are due to the growth of the defense industry, and the availability of new equipment among other things, Putin added.