Russian president approves new military doctrine

MOSCOW, February 5 (RIA Novosti) – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
has approved the country’s new military doctrine which allows
preventive nuclear strikes against potential aggressors.

"The president informed the members of Russia’s Security Council on
Friday that he has approved two documents – the military doctrine and
the Fundamentals of the state policy on nuclear deterrence until
2020," said presidential press secretary Natalia Timakova.

According to Russian officials, the adjustment of the country’s
military doctrine was prompted by real threats and challenges faced by
Russia.

Russia’s nuclear triad comprises land-based ballistic missile systems,
nuclear-powered submarines equipped with sea-based ballistic missiles,
and strategic bombers carrying nuclear bombs and nuclear-capable
cruise missiles.

Under the new doctrine, Russia will continue developing and
modernizing its nuclear triad, increasing its capability to overcome
missile defenses of a potential enemy.

The new military doctrine also aims to transform the Armed Forces into
a more effective and mobile military force. Their structures will be
"optimized" through the use of combined arms units performing similar
tasks.

The previous document was adopted in 2000. It outlined the role of the
Russian military in ensuring the defense of the country and, if
necessary, preparing for and waging war, although it stressed that the
Russian military doctrine is strictly defensive.

Russia’s military expenditure has of late been steadily growing, and
the country reportedly plans to increase the current defense budget of
$40 billion by 50% in the next three years.