国际英语新闻:Russia to take measures against U.S., NATO's military superiority

MOSCOW, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Defense Ministry will take measures to prevent the U.S. or NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) superiority over Russia, the Chief of the General Staff of Russian Armed Forces said Friday.

"The Armed Forces' priority is the quality improvement of the Strategic Nuclear Forces," Valery Gerasimov said.

"Keeping the Strategic Nuclear Forces in the condition of high combat readiness, as well as the quality improvement of the combat potential of regular troops, will prevent the military superiority of the United States and NATO over Russia," noted the chief.

"This year, four missile regiments are planned to be established and equipped with modern missile complexes within the Strategic Missile Troops," Gerasimov specified.

He went on saying that the increasing number of U.S. anti- missile defense systems in the Asia-Pacific region is forcing Russia to take responsive measures.

"The American anti-missile defense system has a global character, while the U.S. and its allies are increasing the elements of this system in the Asia-Pacific region," which are in breach of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), RIA Novosti quoted Gerasimov as saying.

"We cannot remain indifferent to the actions of Western countries and are forced to take responsive measures," Gerasimov said.

Gerasimov's statement was echoed by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who reiterated earlier in the day that Russian military will begin working on the task set by President Vladimir Putin to guarantee military superiority by completing state weapons program.

According to Gerasimov, a defense plan for 2016-2020 would be elaborated and presented to Putin for approval in December.

The plan will focus on maintaining the country's military power and addressing new threats with the help of other ministries and government agencies, Gerasimov added.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work on Wednesday claimed that the U.S. needs new military and defense plans and projects to ensure a decisively competitive advantage against potential foes.