Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu indicated plans to strengthen the country’s navy over the next six years by adding modern weapons and other military equipment, AFPÂ reported Tuesday.
According to the report, Shoigu is looking into a strategy that “[improves] the operational readiness of Russian naval forces in locations posing the greatest strategic threat.”
The announcement comes after a series of moves by the U.S. and NATO to help boost the air defenses and modernize the armies of Eastern European countries as concerns mount about a potential Russian expansion into the region, the report said.
The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom has also revealed that Shoigu is looking into aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines as part of the 2020 plan.
AFPÂ noted that Russia faces constraints in military funding and the quality of technology as the country seeks to boost arms procurement.
Shoigu is considering other options beyond outsourcing to acquire the needed weapons and equipment of the Russian armed forces, according to AFP.
