Russian missile defence system modernisation to be completed in 2023 Remarks from defence chief

The modernisation of Russia's missile defence system will be completed this year, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on March 22.

"One of the priorities in the development of the aerospace forces is to equip the troops with advanced air defence and anti-missile defence systems," Shoigu said in a ministry meeting, according to Anadolu.

He noted that the ministry plans to form an air defence division and brigade, a special-purpose air defence missile brigade, an anti-aircraft missile regiment with an S-350 complex, and a military transport aviation regiment.

The Defence Ministry will complete the construction of 621 military infrastructure facilities, also noting that the Russian Aerospace Forces will receive 507 pieces of equipment, he added.

“Thus, by the end of the year, the share of modern types of weapons of the Aerospace Forces will reach 85 per cent, which corresponds to the set pace of development and ensuring the solution of priority tasks in all areas,” Shoigu also said.

He further said the military-political situation within the boundaries of the Eastern Military District “remains difficult”.

“In order to contain Russia and China, the US is significantly increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening political and military ties with its allies, while continuing to create a new American security architecture in the region,” he said.

The forces of the Eastern Military District play “an important role in maintaining stability within the boundaries of their responsibility”, he further noted, saying the district will have to focus its main efforts this year on “improving the system of mobilization deployment, building military infrastructure facilities, and providing troops with modern weapons”.

“At the same time, the work of all command and control bodies should be primarily aimed at providing for the units involved in the special military operation and neutralizing threats to military security in the Eastern strategic direction,” he added.

Separately, he claimed that an attempt was made by Ukraine earlier in the day to hit Russia's military facilities in Crimea and Sevastopol with the use of three drones, all of which were destroyed.