$2.5bn to be allocated for weapons supplies in 2003

RUR80bn (around $2.53bn) will be allocated from the 2003 Russian militarybudget for the implementation of a program aimed at providing troops withammunition and military equipment, Russian Deputy Defense Minister AlexeyMoskovsky told reporters at a press conference today. The Deputy DefenseMinister also pointed out special attention would be paid to scientific,research as well as development activities. In 1994-1999 8-12 percent ofthe total funds of the military budget were allocated for these purposes,while until 2005 these articles are expected to account for as much as 40percent of the military budget. Moskovsky also believes that to "revive thedefense industry and implement new technologies", Russian weapons need tobe exported. .