Modern weapons rate in Russian army rises to world-leading 61.5 pct: defense minister

MOSCOW, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- The modern weapons rate in the Russian army reached an unprecedented level of 61.5 percent of its total armament, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday.

"In total, we have received over 1,500 models of weapon and over 80,000 pieces of equipment. This is a huge number. In general, we have reached 61.5 percent in terms of modernity," Shoigu said at a meeting of the ministry's public council.

According to Shoigu, the proportion of modern weapons is targeted to reach 67 percent in 2019 and 70 percent in 2020.

Tasks set in the preparation and implementation of the 2010-2020 state armament program are being carried out according to the plan, he said.