The message reads, in part:

“An outstanding designer and manager, you have had a long career and made a considerable contribution to strengthening the country’s defence. You were awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labour, and the Lenin and State prizes of both the Soviet Union and Russia. 

“Over 70 unique pieces of armaments and military equipment for the army, the navy, and the air force have been designed with your participation. These armaments have extraordinary combat and technical characteristics, and some of them remain unrivalled in the world today. 

“You presently serve as the Head of research at the Instrument Design Bureau, and do a great deal for perfecting modern, high-precision missiles and small arms and artillery weapons. You pay special attention to training young specialists for the national military and industrial complex.”