Putin Vows to Boost Production of Military Aircraft

Russian Premier Vladimir Putin has announced ambitious new plans to revive Russia's military aircraft production, which could include new nuclear bombers for "strategic deterrence," according to a US aide. Appearing at the largest air show in Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union, Putin vowed to make his nation the world's leading producer of military aircraft, reports the Guardian.

It's the latest in a series of  threatening moves by Russia, including the resumption of air patrols by long range nuclear bombers capable of striking the US. "It's significant," said one analyst. "For 15 years the political leadership was constraining the military on this. Now it isn't." (More Russia stories.)