Putin reveals rearmament plan amid possible NATO deployment near Russian borders

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the country's armed forces will be equipped with at least 70 percent of modern armament by 2020, an ambitious plan to reinforce Russia's defense capability amid NATO's increasing military build-up near Russian borders.

"The share of modern weaponry should increase to 70 percent by 2020, and in some cases to 100 percent," Putin said at the International Military-Technical Forum "ARMY 2015" in Kubinka air base in the Moscow region.

Over 40 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) will enter service in the Russian army this year, Putin said, adding that these ICBMs can penetrate any advanced anti-missile defense shield.

Besides, Putin said, the Russian army has been receiving the newest armored combat vehicles Armata, Kurganets and Bumerang, which were shown during the May 9 military parade at the Red Square.

Russia also plans to put four missile regiments on combat duty and a strategic nuclear submarine into service this year, Putin said.

Meanwhile, the Russian top leader expressed his confidence in Russia's role in the global arms market.

"Our weapons are very popular on the global arms market. The demand has been stable in recent years, and an orders portfolio has been formed for years to come," he said.

Moscow has been gravely concerned about NATO's intention to deploy heavy weapons in Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries. The Kremlin has warned it would respond appropriately to any possible military build-up near Russian borders. Endi