Russia is planning to equip its proposed fifth-generation nuclear submarines with ballistic and cruise missiles, a senior navy source has said.

The names of the ballistic and cruise missiles have not been disclosed.

Russian First Deputy Defence Minister Vladimir Popovkin said the newest fifth-generation submarine could be developed by 2020 under a 2011-2020 arms procurement programme.

The $651bn arms procurement plan for 2011-2020 was submitted to the government last year, of which the defence ministry plans to spend 80% on buying weapons and 10% on R&D.

The country is also planning to build eight fourth-generation strategic nuclear submarines by 2020 and equip them with Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles, according to RIA Novosti.

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