The minister went on to explain that he was talking about the quality of nuclear missiles and warheads held by the two countries rather than the armaments' quantity.
The Strategic Missile Forces have always been a major component in Russia's nuclear triad, Mr. Ivanov said, expressing confidence that it would remain that way.
In 2005, the Russian Armed Forces are going to acquire a new type of long-range cruise missiles, both nuclear and non-nuclear, the minister announced. The missiles Russia intends to purchase starting next year have been successfully tested in 2004, he added.
Next year, Russia is also planning test launches of its sea ballistic missile Bulava. "We have completed the testing of the intercontinental ballistic missile Topol M this year, and in 2005 we begin test launches of the Bulava sea missile," Mr. Ivanov revealed.
According to the minister, a new submarine, Borei 955, is now being developed for the purpose in Severodvinsk, the Arkhangelsk region. Bulava is one of the most advanced missiles today, and is compatible in many respects with the Topol M intercontinental ballistic missile, said Mr. Ivanov. "This will make the manufacturing of equipment for Bulava cheaper," he said.
The Russian government's armaments program through the year 2010 is likely to be adopted sometime next week, most probably on December 30, the Defense Minister announced. This program envisages the purchase of fifth-generation Topol M intercontinental ballistic missiles in a mobile version.
The Russian army begins purchasing fifth-generation Topol M missiles on January 1, 2005, Mr. Ivanov said. According to him, these missiles are far more sophisticated than any of their older counterparts.
The minister proceeded to comment on yesterday's extradition of the two Russian intelligence agents sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Qatar on charges of murdering Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, a leader of Chechen separatists. He said the extradition had become possible thanks to Russia's government, committed to protecting Russian nationals abroad. According to the minister, Qatar agreed to extradite the two men to Russia after "serious negotiations at the interstate level."
A spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the extradition was done in keeping with a bilateral Russia-Qatar agreement and in line with related laws. The Russians will serve the rest of their prison terms at home, he said. The Russian Foreign Ministry had repeatedly insisted on the men's innocence and demanded that they be extradited to their home country.
