Vladimir Putin's opening address:
Good afternoon,
Today we will examine the main indicators of the state defence order for 2009-2011. In fact we are talking about the financial basis for the development of our Armed Forces, their modernization and about the combat training of the Army and Navy.
On a tentative basis, the issue was discussed many times at the Military-Industrial Commission. Today we are to take final decisions.
I would like you to pay particular attention to the following issues.
First, we must pass on from procuring individual weapons to serial supply of new military hardware for the armed forces. We should strictly comply with all the targets set by the State Programme. The funding must be planned for each year.
Second, the choice of priorities. It is important to concentrate financial resources on the early completion of truly promising experimental and design work started in the previous years and sort out the deadlines for their fulfillment.
Third, we must introduce the practice of long-term contracts with the suppliers of weapons and military equipment. The price of such contracts must be stable. Obviously, there are some problems connected with the inflation process. But there should be no anarchy. We need stability in these matters and it must be ensured. I suggest that we talk about it together today. I expect the Federal Agency for Arms Procurement to be active on this matter.
And the last thing. Over recent years we have managed to increase the supply of fuel and lubricants, spare parts and other necessary materiel to our Armed Forces, which enabled our troops to "go into the field" and engage in full-scale military training. These activities must continue to be properly financed.
We will also discuss the financial status of some enterprises of particular significance for the country's defence industry.