Transcript of the speech:
Good afternoon, friends,
I am pleased to welcome you here, in Nizhny Tagil, to the 8th International Exhibition of Arms, Military Equipment and Ammunition. Today you will see the capabilities of both pre-production samples and commercially produced equipment made by the engineers and workers of Russia’s outstanding arms manufacturers.
The Nizhny Tagil forum has attracted a lot of attention. It has brought together people from nearly 300 leading defence manufacturers from Russia and abroad, representatives of the military and business communities from over 50 countries. Once again, to everyone here – I’d like to extend a hearty welcome to all of you, our guests.
We have so much to show you. This is the first time the forum is displaying pre-production samples of nearly every type of military equipment, not only ground-based weapons. Some of the latest equipment that is very interesting from the technical point of view is on display here, such as the Rys reconnaissance vehicle, the T-90S modernised tank (which I have just seen and the advantages of which I have heard about in detail), the Tunguska-M1 and Buk-M2E self-propelled air defence vehicles, and Sukhoi fighter jets. Deserving special attention are the Iskander-M ballistic missile system (it is an extraordinary system, a wonderful piece of equipment) and the S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missile system, which has just begun to enter service with our armed forces.
This equipment is a source of pride for Russia and visible proof of our defence industry’s enormous potential – in terms of research, personnel and production. Without doubt, the industry will remain a priority for the government, as it has been so far, and we will continue to invest in upgrading enterprises of our defence industry, in workforce training, and in innovation and new technology, which could spur the qualitative growth of the entire Russian economy.
As you know, in addition to the approved armament programme, there is a ‘trillion programme’ – not one trillion but three trillion [roubles] have been invested in the upgrade of the defence industry in order to ensure the security and sovereignty of our motherland for years to come.
In the next ten years, we will almost completely re-equip our armed forces. The defence industry received full support from the government in difficult economic times, and it was absolutely the correct decision for the long-term interests of our country.
The 2008-2009 period was challenging for Nizhny Tagil’s Uralvagonzavod as well. The plant needed outside help to stay afloat, to maintain its staff and its capacity. It has survived. In fact, Uralvagonzavod finished last year with profits – with record profits – and production levels even compared to the Soviet times. The plant has increased the production of railway cars tenfold and reached its capacity. Now we are embarking on a new, comprehensive modernisation programme.
I know that the staff of this outstanding enterprise is here today. This year Uralvagonzavod celebrates its 75th anniversary. Let me congratulate you and your colleagues on this great occasion. I wish you every success. And, of course, to the many guests and participants of the 8th International Exhibition of Arms, Military Equipment and Ammunition – I wish you great success.
I wish you all the best. Thank you for your attention. Thank you very much.