KALUGA, January 17 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's defense minister called Tuesday for more funds to be spent on the procurement of high-tech weapons than on the country's nuclear deterrent.
Sergei Ivanov, who is also deputy prime minister, said, "At present, more than 50% of the state defense order goes on the nuclear deterrent. This is not right, although we will continue to pay particular attention to this component, maintain its high level and develop it even further."
However, Russia, with its vast territory, could survive and defend itself only if it possessed new, sophisticated weaponry, the minister told a news conference.
"In the future, we will prioritize high-tech weapons," he said, adding that the Russian army should be balanced and not "skewed" toward a particular component.
