We start with Syria, where Russian aviation struck a new blow at the positions of the (forbidden in Russia) IS terrorist group. The Ministry of Defense reports that long-range Tu-22M3 bombers took off from the airfield on the territory of Russia and, having covered more than two thousand kilometers, struck strongholds, armored vehicles, and concentrations of the militants. Some objects were also hit by Su-24 bombers from the Khmeimim air base. All targets were destroyed. The results of the exercise in application of modern Russian weapons was discussed today in a meeting with the President, which concluded a series of his meetings with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the defense industry.
Dmitry Petrov report on the conclusions from the meeting.
The final meeting on defense focused on the technical re-equipment of the defense industry. The President wanted to discuss how successfully our defense plants, institutions and, in general, the whole system of military-technical cooperation, are adapting to the new economic landscape. The head of State and the Defense Ministry leadership have been working in this format for 4 years. And most important details can be discussed candidly at such meetings.
Alexei Dyumin, who heads the Tula region — a smithy for Russian weapons — is talking to Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu. After all, it is there that antitank missile systems, air defense systems, artillery and sniper armament, now in service and proven to be highly effective, are created.
Putin: The comprehensive modernization of the Army and Navy continues as planned. The defense industry contractors are promptly resolving the most urgent production related issues. Yes, there are still some problems but that is inevitable. There will always be problems, and the only thing we can do is react promptly. But generally, the defense industry is meeting its commitments on the state procurement order.
The president brought attention to the work of military designers and engineers in the field in Syria.
Putin: I would like to see how our industry representatives were doing in areas where Russia’s cutting-edge weapon systems were used. I know that engineers and even researchers and design teams were there, not just repair technicians. Their efforts were, frankly speaking, interesting, timely and very effective. Many improvements were made when using the latest weapon design in a combat situation.
All maintenance and repair of aircraft and helicopters of the Russian air grouping took place directly at the Khmeimim airfield, right up to engine replacements. The airborne electronic countermeasures systems Khibiny mounted on Su-34 bombers were also tested in real combat operations. To cover the Khmeimim airfield, the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system and a whole group of unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed. Many of our foreign partners have already verified the effectiveness of this weapon.
Putin: The potential of our military-industrial complex and the ongoing arms improvement is the reason Russia remains a leader in military exports and can strengthen its cooperation in military technology with our partners. Still, we need to plan for the risks and assess the negative impact of the possible use of the external limitations that are already in place. We need to plan and undertake measures that will help us to respond to such a scenario quickly so that no harm comes from this possible outside influence.
In addition, plans for a special bank are in the works to create a more rhythmic financing of the Defense Procurement.
Tatyana Shevtsova, Deputy Defense Minister: "National defense expenditure is confidential data. We are considering creating a separate internal Russian bank that will ensure the closed nature of our payments." This year, weapons labeled 'Made in Russia' have been delivered to customers in 59 states. In total, we have military and technical ties with 80 countries, which are our reliable partners.
Dmitry Petrov, Pyotr Ravnov, Oleg Makarov, and Kirill Aksenov for Vesti from Sochi.
