Financing for state defence procurement needs and provision of social guarantees for servicemen will go ahead in full despite the economic crisis, Dmitry Medvedev declared at a meeting with senior officers on the occasion of their appointment to senior command posts and the conferment of their senior military (special) titles.
The President noted the need to optimise the Armed Forces’ organisation and personnel structure, carry out general modernisation of the Army and Navy, and equip them with the latest types of weapons. At the same time, Mr Medvedev said, every possible effort must be made to ensure sufficient material support for servicemen. This is one of the state’s number one priorities and most important tasks, and it must go ahead regardless of the economic situation or of whatever international events are taking place, the President said.