The Russian Navy needs at least 50 nuclear-powered submarines to counterbalance the fleets of the US, Britain and France, a senior Navy official said Saturday.

The country has some 60 strategic, multi-functional and diesel-powered submarines in its fleet that are combat ready.

'The number of nuclear submarines in Russia's Navy should be no less than 40-50,' First Deputy of the Naval General Staff Vice Admiral Oleg Burtsev said during an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio.

He said that France, Britain and the US have at least nine combat ready nuclear subs in the sea all the times.

'In order to counterbalance them, we need to have two or three nuclear-powered submarines. They need to know that we are prepared to respond to any strike,' Burtsev said.

Answering a call-in question on whether Russia is behind in developing its fleet in comparison with China, which builds two or three submarines a year, Burtsev said that Russia was not behind in development.

'Trial runs are taking place with the Yasen class subs, and this year the final trial stages of the Lada class submarine will be held'.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

hv/vt