Russia to create "airspace forces" to maintain "military superiority"

Russia will build a new military brand -- the "airspace forces" -- as part of its effort to maintain "military superiority," Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Friday.

Speaking at the ministry's board meeting at the newly-built National Defense Center, Shoigu said that to meet that goal, Russia will also enhance its strategic nuclear force.

"Troops in strategic areas will be beefed up," he said.

By 2020, Russia's state rearmament program will be completed, with the most modern military equipment to comprise 70 to 100 percent of the Russian weaponry, the minister added.

He said while Russia would not engage itself in a costly arms race, the country is able to guarantee its security under the current circumstances.

Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin called for strengthening the country's armed forces to tackle challenges posed by other countries. He also asked the country's military industry to focus on the development of high technologies to protect Russia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests. Endi