WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.020 --> 00:00:13.550
Comrade officers, colleagues, welcome to the military-practical conference dedicated to the results of the military operation in Syria.

2
00:00:13.550 --> 00:00:21.732
As you are aware, today we will not be talking about any political 

3
00:00:21.732 --> 00:00:25.416
results, which we will strive to achieve in other field – diplomatic;

4
00:00:25.416 --> 00:00:28.580
a corresponding conference is taking place in Sochi,

5
00:00:28.580 --> 00:00:33.160
as you may be aware. Today, we will discuss the latest weapons systems 

6
00:00:33.160 --> 00:00:34.577
and equipment that were used.

7
00:00:34.577 --> 00:00:37.612
We have with us today senior executives from the Defence Ministry,

8
00:00:37.612 --> 00:00:40.772
representatives from our country’s defence industry,

9
00:00:40.772 --> 00:00:46.419
as well as service members who used aviation and other equipment 

10
00:00:46.439 --> 00:00:50.696
in real combat operations, and those who monitored targets at air 

11
00:00:50.696 --> 00:00:54.221
defence command posts, and conducted rocket launches.

12
00:00:54.221 --> 00:00:59.344
I believe this meeting is extremely important as we continue to work 

13
00:00:59.344 --> 00:01:01.824
on the advanced development of the Army and Navy.

14
00:01:01.824 --> 00:01:08.604
As I said, we need to thoroughly analyse our weapons and equipment’s 

15
00:01:08.604 --> 00:01:11.802
performance in different situations.

16
00:01:11.802 --> 00:01:13.494
We have done this already, talked with you –

17
00:01:13.494 --> 00:01:15.251
with many of those present here today –

18
00:01:15.251 --> 00:01:19.641
at various meetings, including at our joint meetings in Sochi.

19
00:01:19.641 --> 00:01:23.638
However, today we will do a much deeper and broader analysis,

20
00:01:23.638 --> 00:01:28.704
and we will do so in a very honest and candid manner without looking 

21
00:01:28.704 --> 00:01:31.772
back to any figures of authority.

22
00:01:31.812 --> 00:01:35.443
We have nothing to fear, and we must discuss every issue 

23
00:01:35.443 --> 00:01:38.438
that comes our way. This is the only way for us to achieve 

24
00:01:38.438 --> 00:01:41.644
the ultimate result in terms of quality.

25
00:01:41.644 --> 00:01:45.213
Today, if we turn a blind eye to any shortcoming,

26
00:01:45.213 --> 00:01:49.986
tomorrow it will naturally affect our Armed Forces’ combat capability.

27
00:01:49.986 --> 00:01:53.138
However, we should, on the other hand, build on our experiences,

28
00:01:53.138 --> 00:01:56.549
constantly improve the capabilities of our weapons,

29
00:01:56.549 --> 00:02:01.488
and create new advanced hardware.

30
00:02:01.488 --> 00:02:06.853
The rout of the well-equipped terrorist groups in Syria demonstrated 

31
00:02:06.853 --> 00:02:08.241
the power of our Army and Navy,

32
00:02:08.241 --> 00:02:11.555
and the course of the operation demonstrated the tradition 

33
00:02:11.555 --> 00:02:14.832
of reliability and effectiveness of Russian weapons.

34
00:02:14.832 --> 00:02:16.176
According to the Defence Ministry,

35
00:02:16.176 --> 00:02:22.382
215 advanced types of weapons and most types of hardware are already 

36
00:02:22.382 --> 00:02:29.671
being used by the troops, and in general they reaffirmed 

37
00:02:29.671 --> 00:02:32.350
their high performance.

38
00:02:32.350 --> 00:02:36.690
The first experience of the combat use of long-range air- and sea-based 

39
00:02:36.690 --> 00:02:40.988
systems proved to be positive.

40
00:02:40.988 --> 00:02:47.738
These were primarily the Kalibr missile and the X-101 missiles that are 

41
00:02:47.738 --> 00:02:49.687
less known to the public.

42
00:02:49.687 --> 00:02:53.775
Strategic aircraft were also used in combat conditions 

43
00:02:53.775 --> 00:02:56.178
for the first time.

44
00:02:56.178 --> 00:03:04.526
Tactical aviation and drones also performed well enough for their 

45
00:03:04.526 --> 00:03:06.124
objectives, to put it modestly.

46
00:03:06.124 --> 00:03:09.227
Supported by fighter aircraft, the S-400 and Pantsir air defence 

47
00:03:09.227 --> 00:03:13.632
systems guaranteed the superiority of our Aerospace Forces 

48
00:03:13.632 --> 00:03:19.569
in Syrian air space. Clear control over air traffic was established 

49
00:03:19.569 --> 00:03:24.696
in the skies of the entire region where strong air force groups 

50
00:03:24.696 --> 00:03:30.890
of several countries operated. Navy forces were also well coordinated.

51
00:03:30.890 --> 00:03:36.642
Warships and submarines dealt precision and concentrated strikes 

52
00:03:36.642 --> 00:03:38.659
at terrorist infrastructure.

53
00:03:38.659 --> 00:03:44.845
In addition, Su-33 and MiG-29K ship-based aircraft took 

54
00:03:44.845 --> 00:03:47.201
part in hostilities for the first time.

55
00:03:47.201 --> 00:03:51.491
I would like to mention that over 1,

56
00:03:51.491 --> 00:03:55.632
200 representatives from 57 defence industry enterprises and research 

57
00:03:55.652 --> 00:03:59.968
organisations visited Khmeimim base and the port of Tartus 

58
00:03:59.968 --> 00:04:04.263
during the overall operation.

59
00:04:04.263 --> 00:04:09.353
They promptly corrected 99 percent of the identified 

60
00:04:09.353 --> 00:04:13.450
defects in combat equipment and arms.

61
00:04:13.450 --> 00:04:21.206
Our colleagues here know that as these defects were identified 

62
00:04:21.206 --> 00:04:28.301
and sometimes quite suddenly, we said at our meetings… to put it 

63
00:04:28.301 --> 00:04:34.197
properly, we did not sugar-coat anything but spoke always 

64
00:04:34.197 --> 00:04:40.662
to the point and sometimes emotionally.

65
00:04:40.662 --> 00:04:47.804
But today, using this opportunity to sum up the results of our work,

66
00:04:47.804 --> 00:04:51.901
I would like to thank you and all your colleagues,

67
00:04:51.941 --> 00:04:54.534
all employees of the Russian defence industry –

68
00:04:54.534 --> 00:04:58.035
engineers, specialists from the working professions and designers,

69
00:04:58.035 --> 00:05:02.372
for your efforts and your contribution to consolidating the country’s 

70
00:05:02.372 --> 00:05:04.689
defence capability, for your major input into the success 

71
00:05:04.689 --> 00:05:06.925
of the anti-terrorist operation in Syria and ensuring 

72
00:05:06.925 --> 00:05:08.763
Russia’s defence capability.

73
00:05:08.763 --> 00:05:12.996
We will certainly think of how to award the best workers 

74
00:05:12.996 --> 00:05:17.341
in the industry. The use of our weapons in Syria convincingly showed 

75
00:05:17.341 --> 00:05:20.863
that in terms of combat equipment the Russian Army is one 

76
00:05:20.863 --> 00:05:25.851
of the world’s best. Moreover, we are unmatched in a number 

77
00:05:25.851 --> 00:05:27.452
of arms systems.

78
00:05:27.452 --> 00:05:32.116
No one’s head should be in the clouds, of course –

79
00:05:32.116 --> 00:05:38.442
we are perfectly aware of the progress in weapons made by other 

80
00:05:38.442 --> 00:05:42.986
countries, so there should be no illusions.

81
00:05:42.986 --> 00:05:45.544
We should always be one step ahead.

82
00:05:45.544 --> 00:05:49.636
To ensure this level of development in the Armed Forces,

83
00:05:49.636 --> 00:05:52.213
we need to work on this constantly,

84
00:05:52.233 --> 00:05:55.594
we need to work hard and in close cooperation.

85
00:05:55.594 --> 00:05:58.962
I have already mentioned this, but I would like to repeat that some 

86
00:05:58.962 --> 00:06:02.478
of the weapons and equipment samples revealed flaws in Syria.

87
00:06:02.478 --> 00:06:05.108
The objective control data say as much,

88
00:06:05.108 --> 00:06:07.113
as well as the firsthand feedback from our servicemen who 

89
00:06:07.113 --> 00:06:09.294
took part in the hostilities.

90
00:06:09.294 --> 00:06:14.407
I am asking you to carefully study this information and make prompt 

91
00:06:14.407 --> 00:06:17.005
adjustments to the production process;

92
00:06:17.045 --> 00:06:22.166
we have repeatedly discussed this at our meetings and, if necessary,

93
00:06:22.166 --> 00:06:24.617
please organise additional research,

94
00:06:24.617 --> 00:06:27.895
testing and development work to bring the samples up 

95
00:06:27.915 --> 00:06:30.582
to the required level.

96
00:06:30.582 --> 00:06:34.007
This has actually been done for some types of weapons,

97
00:06:34.007 --> 00:06:37.472
for some equipment samples; I know about this and I would 

98
00:06:37.472 --> 00:06:40.689
like to thank you all again. You have responded promptly.

99
00:06:40.689 --> 00:06:44.093
It took intense teamwork, but you did it.

100
00:06:44.093 --> 00:06:47.691
The same needs to be done for all the products.

101
00:06:47.691 --> 00:06:49.965
I am asking the leadership of the Ministry of Defence,

102
00:06:49.965 --> 00:06:53.076
the general designers and representatives of defence industry companies 

103
00:06:53.076 --> 00:06:55.457
to keep this issue under constant supervision,

104
00:06:55.457 --> 00:06:59.440
to ensure smooth coordination of this work.

105
00:06:59.440 --> 00:07:02.774
Colleagues, over the past few years,

106
00:07:02.774 --> 00:07:05.077
we have systematically carried out the Army and Navy 

107
00:07:05.077 --> 00:07:07.128
rearmament programme.

108
00:07:07.128 --> 00:07:12.302
Now the share of modern weapons is almost 60 percent 

109
00:07:12.302 --> 00:07:19.161
(59.5), and almost all equipment in parks and bases is in good order: 

110
00:07:19.161 --> 00:07:23.502
94 percent, according to the Defence Ministry.

111
00:07:23.502 --> 00:07:26.874
Now we have to take a qualitative step forward.

112
00:07:26.874 --> 00:07:34.245
The recently adopted State Armament Programme through 2027 is aimed 

113
00:07:34.245 --> 00:07:37.364
at addressing this problem, including equipping troops with strike 

114
00:07:37.364 --> 00:07:41.794
weapons and next-generation reconnaissance weapons systems,

115
00:07:41.794 --> 00:07:46.421
and building a powerful technological reserve in the defence industry,

116
00:07:46.421 --> 00:07:49.643
something the Army of the future will rely on.

117
00:07:49.643 --> 00:07:53.108
Our research and design schools have repeatedly demonstrated 

118
00:07:53.108 --> 00:07:56.453
the ability to offer solutions that have outperformed the best foreign 

119
00:07:56.453 --> 00:08:02.870
counterparts for years, even decades: suffice it to recall the projects 

120
00:08:02.870 --> 00:08:07.676
of Korolev, Kurchatov, Sukhoi, Tupolev and other outstanding scientists.

121
00:08:07.676 --> 00:08:11.930
Now, in an age of turbulent technological change around the world,

122
00:08:11.930 --> 00:08:14.883
we need to ensure Russian leadership and our undisputed 

123
00:08:14.883 --> 00:08:22.416
edge in military technology. We can and we will.

124
00:08:22.416 --> 00:08:26.580
This will not only give our Army and Navy advanced weapons,

125
00:08:26.580 --> 00:08:30.490
but will help develop defence industry cooperation with other 

126
00:08:30.490 --> 00:08:35.215
countries, and consolidate Russia’s foothold in world markets 

127
00:08:35.215 --> 00:08:38.038
for modern technologies, both the defence and civilian segments.

128
00:08:38.038 --> 00:08:42.154
In conclusion, I would like to once again thank all servicemen present 

129
00:08:42.154 --> 00:08:46.019
in this room who participated in the operation in Syria and, of course,

130
00:08:46.019 --> 00:08:48.986
representatives of our defence industry.

131
00:08:48.986 --> 00:09:02.120
Let’s get to work. Thank you.