The Russian defense industry should focus its efforts on the production of modern weaponry, including tanks and armored vehicles, for the Russian Armed Forces, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"Our Armed Forces require new-generation weaponry to meet modern requirements," Putin said at a meeting with defense industry officials.

"We will continue buying the existing military equipment until the production of advanced weaponry has been set up in the country. However, we will procure only extensively modernized military equipment," he said.

The prime minister put special emphasis on tanks and other armored vehicles "as they still form the core of any army" and significantly increase the maneuverability of troops on the battlefield.

Putin cited modified versions of the BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicle and the T-90 main battle tank as the key armored vehicles to be supplied to the Russian Armed Forces in the near future.

He also said new armored vehicles should have unified and interchangeable platforms, while manufactures should provide reliable and efficient maintenance and repair services for their equipment.

NIZHNY TAGIL, December 8 (RIA Novosti)