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Putin Claims New Russian Weapons Have No Foreign Equivalent

by Associated Press

   MOSCOW --

   President Vladimir Putin says Russia's new weapons have no foreign
   equivalents and will help ensure the country's security for decades to
   come.

   Putin, speaking during Tuesday's meeting with the top military brass in
   Moscow, specifically mentioned the new Kinzhal hypersonic missile and
   the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, saying they have significantly
   bolstered Russia's military capability.

   Kinzhal has already been commissioned by the military. Russian Defense
   Minister Sergei Shoigu said the aircraft carrying missiles have flown
   89 patrol missions this year.

   Shoigu said the Avangard will enter service with the military next
   year.

   Putin said Russia would have to respond to the planned U.S. withdrawal
   from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. He reaffirmed a
   strong denial of Washington's claim that Russia had violated the pact
   and blamed the U.S. for breaking it.