Share of Modern, Advanced Weapons Over 60% in Some Russian Branches

The share of modern and advanced weapons in some branches of the Russian Armed Forces currently amounts over 60 percent, the Defense Ministry reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Over 60 percent of weapons in some types of Russian military branches are of modern and advanced classes, a senior representative of the Russian Defense Ministry told journalists on Friday.

“The share of modern and advanced weaponry in some types and categories of [Russian] troops currently amounts to 62 percent,” the representative said.

He added that the condition and serviceability of weaponry in the Russian Army has increased dramatically in the past years, currently standing at 98 percent.

Under Russia’s 20-trillion ruble ($335 billion) rearmament program, the percentage of modern weaponry in Russian armed forces is expected to reach 30 percent by 2015 and 70 percent by 2020.

The ministry official underscored on Friday that the Russian Air Force faces an historically unprecedented task of improving and modernizing 80 percent of its aircraft, including helicopters and related equipment.