Congratulations on Gunsmith Day

The message reads, in part:

"This holiday is a tribute to the creative work of generations of designers, engineers, production managers, and workers in a wide range of professions. We have every reason to take pride in the centuries-old history of Russia's defence industry, and in the skilled craftsmen from Tula, Izhevsk, Perm, and other centres of Russia's arms industry. Through their skill and talent, unique pieces of equipment have been created that have served and continue to serve our army and navy with distinction.

I would like to express special gratitude to all those who are carrying on these outstanding professional traditions today, working conscientiously and selflessly at major industry holding companies, small and medium-sized businesses, design bureaus and research centres, successfully implementing breakthrough projects and bold innovative solutions.

I am confident that, thanks to your expertise, dedication to your chosen profession and sense of responsibility, the defence industry will continue to build up its scientific, technological and human resource potential, to provide the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, and special services with the most advanced weapons and equipment and maintain Russia's leading position in the global arms market."