The functions of the central command of Russia’s ground forces, navy and air force, are to be altered to streamline the military command and control system, Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov has said.

“The command and control system should have three tiers at the most. Some sub-units will be downsized and some, quite to the contrary, enlarged,” he said.

The number of military districts will also be reduced from six to four and reorganised into tactical-strategic commands by 1 December 2010, according to RIA Novosti.

The reorganising and streamlining of central command personnel would continue, he said.