MOSCOW, December 10, (RIA Novosti) - Only well-equipped armed forces can head off a terrorist act similar to the one of September 11 in the U.S., believes Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov.

"Following the September 11, 2001 tragedy [the U.S.] saw that terrorist attacks can be expected from every direction, including from the air," the minister said, addressing a meeting with members of the military diplomatic corps.

"Clearly, only armed forces possessing the necessary air-defense means, anti-ship armaments, are capable of stopping aircraft and vessels captured by terrorists proceeding towards key strategic facilities and large cities," he stressed.

Mr. Ivanov described as essential aspects of protecting the country against terrorist threats such things as guarantees for regular national maritime shipping, and protection of the air space. The minister further said that military force will be one of effective means of countering threats to international security and, above all, in deciding such matters as dealing with terrorism and with proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.