Russian military to get new missile, tank

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Russian armed forces will receive a new submarine-based intercontinental ballistic missile in 2008 and a new type of tank in 2009, local news agencies quoted a top Russian general as saying on Saturday.

Deputy Defence Minister Nikolai Makarov was quoted as saying the nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky, equipped with the Bulava missile, will become part of the Russian navy next year.

Makarov was quoted as saying tests of the missile were almost completed and "we will get it in 2008".

The Bulava is a flagship project that President Vladimir Putin has said can pierce any anti-missile shield.

The armed forces have carried out regular missile tests in the past few years. They are viewed by the political and military leadership as evidence of a revival of Russia's military might.

Buoyed by huge oil revenues, Russia under Putin has been boosting military spending while at the same time using diplomacy to increase its influence as it seeks to counter U.S. plans for a missile defence shield in Europe.

The Bulava missile is designed for Russia's new Borei (Arctic Wind) class nuclear submarines. The first, long-delayed submarine of the class was launched last April.

Makarov said that in 2009 the army would also receive a new type of tank "with an entirely new chassis, weapons, target recognition and fire control systems." Russian ground forces are currently equipped with T-90, T-72 and T-80 tanks.

"Now we are carrying out tests, which we plan to complete next year, and in 2009 the new tank will go into production," he said.