In proportion to the threats posed by the US and its allies, Russia will continue to improve its military structure and produce more and more sought-after weapons and military equipment, he said during a Defense Ministry board meeting on Tuesday.

Noting NATO's increased activities in the Arctic and on Russia's western and northwestern borders, Shoigu said Russia will take adequate response measures, Xinhua news agency reported.

He said the recently reestablished Moscow and Leningrad military districts began carrying out relevant tasks on March 1.