# Russian military armament and security policy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-military-armament-and-security-policy > Updated: 2026-09-18T19:07:12.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a new State Armament Program to ensure military and security structures remain prepared for external threats. During meetings of the Military-Industrial Commission, Putin emphasized the necessity of strengthening Russia’s nuclear triad, missile defense, and air defense systems to counter threats from air and space. He described the nuclear triad as a guarantee of Russian sovereignty and a key factor in maintaining the global power balance. In his rhetoric, Putin criticized Western nations for using Ukrainians as ‘cannon fodder’ and characterized the Ukrainian government as a ‘dictatorship’ that is intentionally avoiding peace negotiations. He further accused Ukrainian leadership of interfering in Russian parliamentary elections, specifically citing an attack on an election official in the Zaporizhzhia region. While Putin asserted that Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe and expressed a readiness to restore future relations, he simultaneously criticized the militarization of the continent. He specifically accused certain European leaders of using the Ukraine conflict to justify domestic policies and economic issues, and criticized NATO expansion. Putin also accused European nations of conducting military exercises in the Baltic Sea that include preparations for seizing civilian vessels, stating that Moscow would respond if necessary. Regarding the new armament program, Putin highlighted priorities including the modernization of the defense industry, increasing the use of drones and robotic systems, developing precision weapons, and completing a Russian orbital satellite constellation. He noted that 92 percent of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces are already equipped with modern weapons. Domestically, the administration faces challenges including declining approval ratings, economic deterioration, and rising public discontent, alongside an expansion of the Federal Security Service (FSB) influence within the state. ## Claims - Russia has no hostile designs or aggressive intentions toward Europe or European countries. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Certain European leaders are openly preparing for war with Russia to preserve their popularity. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Russia is prepared to rebuild ties and cooperate with its European neighbors. (corroborated by 18 sources) - European military exercises in the Baltic Sea include preparations for seizing civilian vessels. (corroborated by 11 sources) - NATO is expanding its presence and advancing into regions outside the North Atlantic. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The new Russian armament program focuses on modernizing the armed forces and defense industry. (corroborated by 6 sources) - 92 percent of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces are currently equipped with modern weaponry. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Vladimir Putin announced a major Russian military buildup to counter NATO expansion. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Putin denied that Russia's military buildup implies plans to attack European nations. (single source) - The Russian military program includes advancements in air defense, precision weapons, drones, and space technology. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Russia announces major military buildup and nuclear modernization President Vladimir Putin announced a major Russian military buildup, prioritizing the nuclear triad, air defense, and drone technology to counter NATO expansion while denying aggressive intent toward Europe. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vladimir-putin-proposes-new-state-armament-program ### 2026-09-18: Putin announces new Russian armament program and denies hostility to Europe Vladimir Putin announced a new Russian armament program prioritizing the nuclear triad while accusing European leaders of preparing for war to mask domestic issues and criticizing NATO expansion. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vladimir-putin-denies-aggressive-intentions-toward-europe --- Cite as: Russian military armament and security policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-military-armament-and-security-policy