The Russian Ground Forces will start receiving a number of advanced weapons in 2011, including modernized S-300V4 air defense missile systems, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"Starting in 2011, the Ground Forces will receive modernized S-300V4 and Buk-M2 medium-range air defense systems, Tor-M2 short-range air defense systems, and portable air defense systems," the ministry said in a statement.

The Russian military plans to buy only advanced and highly-effective weaponry in the future to meet the challenges of modern warfare, the ministry says.

The Ground Forces will continue to receive Iskander-M [SS-26 Stone] tactical ballistic missiles, new multiple-launch rocket systems, self-propelled guns, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, and anti-tank missile systems.

Information on the advanced S-300V4 system remains classified. According to some sources, it may be based on the S-300VM (SA-23 Gladiator) mobile air defense system.