MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Reforms being carried out in the Russian military over the past three years have contributed to a successful execution of strategic tasks in the Arctic, on the Crimean peninsula, in the Mediterranean Sea, in remote maritime zones and in global airspace, according to the minister.
"Over this time period, the capability of the Armed Forces has increased by 32 percent," Shoigu said while addressing a Defense Ministry board.
Over the past year, the level of training of military personnel has risen 6 percent, he added.
Russia is currently carrying out a rearmament program, announced in 2010, to achieve a 70-percent modernization of its military by 2020.