The Russian Defence Ministry will purchase 36 strategic ballistic missiles, and 20 strategic cruise missiles this year, Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov has said.

The purchase is part of the $665bn state arms procurement programme.

Russian scientists are also developing a new land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system featuring high survivability and enhanced striking capability.

An ICBM is a ballistic missile with a range greater than 5,500km and designed for delivering one or more nuclear warheads.

Russia’s strategic missile forces have 400 ICBMs that include 171 Topol (SS-25), 70 Topol-M (SS-27), and three RS-24 Yars missiles.