Russian Government Allocates 30% More Money to Arms Supply

The Russian government is allocating more money to the supply of arms. As Russian TV channel RTR reports, Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov announced that the government would be spending more than 30% more on arms supply in 2003 at a recent cabinet meeting. He added that more than half of this money would be spent on experimental development and purchasing weapons.

'We are expecting new designs from our constructors and we are ready to provide the necessary funds,' said the prime minister. Mr Kasyanov added that while the increase in expenditure is 'huge' one must not forget that the Russian army must be reequipped to deal with 'the tasks and threats that we are facing.'