Russia plans military upgrade to match NATO

Russia plans to boost both conventional armed forces and nuclear forces to counter a growing threat from Nato, President Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday, raising the spectre of a military confrontation between Moscow and the west.

In a hawkish speech to Russia's top generals, Medvedev said Russia intended to upgrade the army and navy from 2011. Strategic nuclear forces would also be overhauled in an effort to guarantee the country's security.

Modernisation was necessary because of the danger posed by the transatlantic military alliance. "Attempts to expand the military infrastructure of Nato near the borders of our country are continuing," Medvedev said. "The primary task is to increase the combat readiness of our forces. They must be able to fulfil all the necessary tasks to ensure Russia's security."More