24.06.2010
Dmitry Medvedev, the President of the Russian Federation appointed Vladimir Popovkin to the post of Deputy Minister of Defense. His primary responsibility will be "civilian staff of defense ministry" and weapons procurement, underlined the president during the meeting with defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov and Vladimir Popovkin.
The head of the state wished new deputy minister fruitful work and expressed hope that his sector of responsibility would successfully develop. At the same time the Supreme Commander expressed confidence that government defense program which is almost adopted will be completely implemented.
According to Russian president, this is very complicated and large-scale program aimed at creation of modern and effective armed forces and scheduled up to 2010. As for Medvedev, while realization of that program one needs to work minutely with suppliers, as they sometimes "play with" overpricing.
Vladimir Popovkin was born on Sept 25, 1957 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. In 1979 he graduated from Military Engineering Institute named after A.F. Mozhaisky and was posted to Baikonur Space Center. In 1989 Popovkin excellently graduated from Military Academy named after F.E. Dzerzhinsky and served at defense ministry. Since 1991 he occupied various posts at the General Staff. Since 1999 Popovkin served at Operations Department of the General Staff. In July 2001 he was appointed Space Force Chief of Staff. By the presidential decree No. 337 dated March 10, 2004 he was posted Space Force Commander. Since July 2008 Popovkin occupied the post of Assistant Minister of Defense for armament.
