President Vladimir Putin disclosed on Thursday that Russia was working on new types of nuclear weapons, as part of a “grandiose” plan to boost the country’s defences.

Mr Putin, who remains widely popular as his second four-year term draws to an end amid strong economic growth and rising incomes, has been trying to reassert Moscow’s role on the international stage. He hopes to do this by reviving its armed forces, shattered by the tumultuous 1990s.

“We will develop missile technology including completely new strategic (nuclear) complexes,” Putin said in an annual televised question-and-answer session with Russian citizens. He added, “Work is progressing successfully.”

“We have plans that are not only big, but grandiose, they are fully realistic. Our armed forces will be more compact and also more effective and ensure Russia’s defence better,” Putin said.

In a striking contrast to the chaotic 1990s with its piecemeal financing of the demoralised army, Putin has overseen the roll-out of new jets, tactical and anti-aircraft missiles. The country has also rolled out what it claims as the world’s biggest vacuum bomb.

Russia also successfully test-fired its latest Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northwestern Russia. State television said it hit a target in the Pacific. “We serve our fatherland,” the officers who fired the missile, replied in chorus after Putin congratulated them on the successful launch.