Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has announced plans to create an upgraded nuclear deterrence system for Russia by 2020, including a space defence system and new nuclear submarines.
Mr Medvedev said the need for the upgrade was demonstrated by the conflict with Georgia last month.
"A guaranteed nuclear deterrent system for various military and political circumstances must be provided by 2020," Mr Medvedev told Russian military chiefs after a military exercise in the southern Urals region of Orenburg.
"Large-scale construction of new types of warships is planned, primarily of nuclear submarines armed with cruise missiles, and multi-purpose submarines. A system of air and space defence will be created," he said, adding that he has ordered military commanders to present him with an action plan for implementing the changes by December this year.
"Just recently we have had to rebuff an aggression unleashed by the Georgian regime and, as we found, a war can flare up suddenly and can be absolutely real. And local, smouldering conflicts, which are sometimes even called 'frozen conflicts', will turn into a real military conflagration," he said.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said tonight Russia's move would not affect the balance of power.
"The balance of power in terms of nuclear deterrence is not going to be affected by those measures," Ms Rice said in an interview, adding that the US nuclear deterrent is "capable" and "robust."
Russia's military endured years of under-funding following the collapse of the Soviet Union, with its warships spending long periods in port because of a lack of cash for fuel and spare parts. Russia's air force was also often grounded. But analysts say its nuclear deterrent is not subject to the same neglect and remains effective.
The Kremlin, now sitting on a large cash pile after several years of high prices for its main exports, oil and gas, has already injected large sums into reviving the military.
Reuters