MOSCOW, July 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Thursday that Russia is to equip its Pacific fleet with a new generation of multi-functional missile nuclear submarine.

    During his visit to the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia's Far East, Ivanov said that the nuclear submarine base of the Pacific fleet will be set in the Viliuchinsk city of the peninsula.

    The government will invest heavily for the completion the infrastructure of the base and it will be built into one of the most modernized in one and a half year.

    Ivanov also revealed that Russia's new-generation strategic nuclear submarine Iuri Dolgorygiy, which is still under construction, will be launched in 2006. The submarine will be equipped with the new-generation "Bulava" missile which can carry 10 nuclear warheads.

    Another missile nuclear submarine Alexander Nevsky will be launched in 2007. After that, Russia will continue to construct other nuclear submarines, said the defense minister.

    Ivanov added that Russia is ready to equip its forces in the Far East with modern weapons. Enditem