"This program envisions the creation of a unified, combined-arms defense network to protect vital objects of military, political and economic infrastructure from strikes delivered with high-precision weapons," Sergei Ivanov told a meeting of the military-industrial commission under the Russian government.
However, he said the implementation of the program would require thorough modernization of the existing arsenal of air and missile defense systems in conjunction with a complete overhaul of command-and-control structures.
As a first step, Russia will strengthen air defenses around Moscow and in the central part of European Russia by deploying a second regiment equipped with new S-400 air defense systems to protect the air space of the capital and industrial zones.
Russia's Air Force is also planning to transform the 16th Air Army into an Air Force and Air Defense army in 2009.
The 16th Air Army is the most important unit of the Special Purpose Command. Initially formed during the Second World War as a part of the Soviet Air Force, it is now the tactical air force component of the Moscow Military District, headquartered at Kubinka airbase near Moscow.
Ivanov said the Russian budget allocated 700 billion rubles ($30 billion) for state defense orders in 2007.
The Russian Armed Forces and other security-related bodies adopted over 200 types of new weaponry last year.
