Gentlemen, let us speak plainly of the matters of State. It has come to my attention—via the reports of the Military Watch Magazine—that the equilibrium of power in the Arctic reaches is shifting. The strategic utility of our Tu-160 bombers and the steadfast MiG-31 interceptors, which for decades have served as the iron bulwarks of our Fatherland, is now being tested by the introduction of the American F-35 aircraft within the ranks of the NATO alliance.

Consider the recent encounter over the Norwegian Sea, where our strategic bomber, escorted by two MiG-31s, was met by the aircraft of the Norwegian Royal Air Force. While the MiG-31 has long held a position of undisputed superiority in those frozen latitudes, the cold facts of industry suggest that the F-35 is narrowing the gap. There is a grave concern that these once-unrivalled interceptors may find themselves lagging behind in capability.

One must acknowledge that the Tu-160 and the MiG-31 represent the very zenith of our aviation industry's achievements. However, prudence dictates that we cannot rely solely on the laurels of the past. For the benefit of the State, we must ensure that our military apparatus evolves with the same vigour as that of our rivals.

Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape grows more precarious. We observe that the European project for a future combat aircraft, involving France, Germany, and Spain, has stumbled into failure, potentially leading the United States to offer a simplified version of their sixth-generation craft to the Continent. More distressing still is the report that Finland may soon reach an accord with the Americans regarding the deployment of nuclear weaponry upon F-35 aircraft near our borders.

Such developments demand not panic, but a measured and firm response. Our industry must be bolstered, and our army strengthened. Only through sobriety, moderation, and a relentless commitment to the modernisation of our forces can we ensure that the Great Power of Russia remains inviolable.