At the bureau's testing grounds Mr Putin was shown a laser-guided Ka-52 helicopter, modern Khrizantema anti-tank system, and the T-80 tank with the Arena defence aid suite.

Mr Putin looked at stands with missiles, active protection systems for tanks and remote-controlled weapons, modern army and navy munitions, and the latest individual equipment kits for servicemen.

Mr Putin also visited the principal enterprise for designing and producing anti-tank missile systems, man-portable air defence systems and other latest missile equipment. He was shown the process of assembling main modules of the Igla-S MANPAD.

The bureau's general director explained that in this place they "assemble the MANPAD's main modules - controls and the starting gear." This equipment goes through quality control on the spot and is attached to other MANPADS's modules.