Russian President Dmitri Medvedev criticised on Monday the pace of military-industrial modernisation, saying it is affecting the quality of Russian weapons and harming national prestige.

"Considerable funds have been invested over the past few years to develop the military-industrial complex. So far the results are mediocre," Medvedev said on Russian television.

"Unfortunately we carry on filling in holes and the objectives for technological modernisation have not been achieved," the Russian president added.

"The quality of military production for the Russian army and foreign exports is causing justified concern from clients," added Industry Minister Viktor Khristenko, speaking at a meeting on the issue and quoted by Interfax.

"We must not give up the position we have had difficulty reaching. It would be a blow to the reputation of Russian weapons and the country," Khristenko said.

Russia last year had its biggest year for arms sales since the collapse of the Soviet Union, with a total equivalent to $8.35-billion, according to figures announced in February by the Russian president.

AFP

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