MOSCOW, October 2 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian Navy will receive at least eight new-generation submarines as part of a state armaments program through 2015, its deputy commander said on Thursday.

"We have already built a new-generation nuclear powered submarine," Adm. Alexander Tatarinov said, without giving any details.

Asked how many warships would be built in total, he said that would depend on the Navy's needs.

"So far a series of eight warships are being planned - possibly more," he said.

The current 2007-2015 state armament program calls for the development of "across-the-board" new-generation weapon systems by 2011.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said last Thursday that the modernization of the Armed Forces needed to move faster, with priority being given to new, advanced weaponry and improvement of conditions for service personnel.

"We are planning to launch large-scale production of warships, primarily nuclear submarines with cruise missiles, and multi-purpose attack submarines," Medvedev said.

Russia, with a current defense budget of $40 billion, is reportedly planning to increase its defense spending by 50% in the next three years.