Introductory Statement by Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu at Defence Ministry Board Session

We will discuss the activity plans of the Aerospace Forces and the Eastern Military District.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of Aerospace Forces in modern warfare. The latest armed conflicts are evidence of this.

At last year's Ministry of Defence Extended Board Session, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief noted the important role of this branch of the Armed Forces in the special military operation and set the task of further improving its combat capabilities and the level of personnel training.

During the special military operation, up to 90% of the crews of Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, 60% of strategic and long-range aviation, and 85% of unmanned aerial vehicle systems personnel have gained combat experience.

More than 140,000 combat sorties have been made during the operation. In total, the Aerospace Forces have destroyed more than 20,000 enemy targets.

Military Transport Aviation carries out equally crucial missions in the special operation area by continuously delivering troops and supplies.

Equipping the military with cutting-edge air and missile defence systems is one of the top goals for development of the Aerospace Forces. 

This year, we are going to complete modernisation of Moscow's missile defence system.

By the end of the year, 33 main organisational activities are planned. Moreover, it is planned to establish air defence brigade and division, an air defence missile brigade, an anti-aircraft missile regiment equipped with the S-350 system, and a military transport aviation regiment. Razvyazka aerospace control station is to be put on combat alert.

Along with this, we will complete the construction of 621 military infrastructure facilities for the needs of the Aerospace Forces.

Under the state armament programme, the Aerospace Forces are to receive 507 pieces of equipment this year.

Thus, the proportion of modern armaments in the Aerospace Forces will reach 85% by the end of the year, which is in line with the target pace of development and ensuring that priority tasks in all areas are addressed.

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As for the Eastern Military District, the military and political situation within its area of responsibility remains difficult.

To contain Russia and China, the United States is significantly increasing its military presence in the Asia–Pacific region, strengthening political and military ties with its allies, while continuing to create a new American security architecture in the region.

Eastern Military District Troops play an important role in maintaining stability within their area of responsibility and are actively involved in developing military cooperation with friendly nations.

Last year alone, three joint international military exercises were conducted: Selenga, Laros, and Maritime Interaction.

The combat training in the troops doesn't lose intensity. More than 8,000 operational and combat training events took place last year, the key one being the Vostok strategic command post exercise.

The Pacific Fleet made 22 sorties to the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans as single ships and as part of detachments.

An inter-theater manoeuvre from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet across the Arctic Ocean of the nuclear submarine cruisers Knyaz Oleg and Novosibirsk and the diesel submarine Magadan was executed. 

Ships of the Pacific Fleet and the People's Liberation Army Navy of China conducted the second joint patrol in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

The combat capabilities of the Eastern Military District have increased significantly.

Last year it received around four hundred modern and modernised pieces of hardware.

These include a nuclear-powered submarine cruiser, Su-57 aircraft, Tor-M2DT anti-aircraft missile system, and Bal coastal missile system.

The Bastion coastal missile system division has been on combat duty on the island of Paramushir since December 2022 to create a continuous zone of surface area control along the Kuril Islands.

The district's formations and military units are being staffed by officers. More than 2,500 people were appointed to officer positions last year.

The Baikal–Amur Mainline is being constructed.

The civilian population got aid in the three Federal District entities during the flood period. The three crossing sites – in the Republic of Buryatia, Primorsky Krai, and Amur region – allow more than 15,000 local residents and 10,000 vehicles to cross.

This year, the district will focus on improving the mobilisation deployment system, building military infrastructure, and providing the troops with modern armaments. In the meantime, the command and control authorities are to be primarily aimed at supporting the units involved in the special military operation and at neutralising threats to military security in the eastern strategic direction.

The next issue for discussion concerned the preparations for the military parade on Red Square, dedicated to the 78th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

More than 10,000 people will take part, as well as 125 pieces of armament and military hardware.

In total, military parades are to take place in 28 Russian cities this year. They will involve more than 55,000 people and about 1,200 pieces of armaments and military hardware.

Russian people remember the lessons of the past well and know that only united we can defeat the enemy and protect our homes, children, and country.

Unfortunately, we are now seeing a revival of the ruinous ideology of Nazism, attempts to rewrite history and justify criminals who have the blood of civilians on their hands.

During the special military operation, Russian servicemen, like the Red Army soldiers during the Great Patriotic War, make feats, act with courage and determination. 

This shows the continuity of generations, the loyalty to our heroic traditions, and the desire to protect civilians from neo-Nazis.

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From 4.00 am to 5.56 am today, there was an attempt to hit Russian facilities in Sevastopol by drones. 

All three aerial vehicles have been neutralised. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that two aerial vehicles were shot down by Senior Sailor Marina A. Faleeva and Chief Starshina Tatyana V. Tseluiko.

I would like to give instructions to present the women with awards and, in accordance with our decisions, to give money reward for destroying enemy vehicles.