Russian President Vladimir Putin has said his country is working on new types of nuclear weapons as part of a 'grandiose' plan to boost the country's defences.
He said it will develop missile technology including completely new strategic nuclear complexes, saying Russia's armed forces would be more compact but more effective.
Mr Putin described the plans as fully realistic in an annual televised question-and-answer session with Russian citizens.
The televised event attracted more than one million questions by email, text and phone, including a number relating to his plans once his second term as president ends in March.
Under the Russian constitution, the 55-year-old is barred from seeking a third consecutive term in office.
However, Mr Putin has only confirmed that he will leave the Kremlin, but says he will continue to play some unspecified political role.
Adding to the mystery, no major politician has yet expressed interest in seeking the presidency, while polls indicate the parliamentary election will give Mr Putin's United Russia party an overwhelming majority.
Speculation is mounting that he will seek to remain in control even after quitting the Kremlin, possibly in a newly empowered Prime Minister's post. It is then thought he may return to the Kremlin for a third term after a break, something the constitution allows.
