[SatNews] RIA Novosti is reporting the construction of a high-tech command and control center to oversee Russia’s military has begun, this according to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Monday.

The minister, who laid the symbolic cornerstone of the new building in Moscow, said construction of the center would be completed this year. The facility, first announced last year, is intended to serve as a round-the-clock nerve center to coordinate Russia’s military, including its nuclear missiles and special forces units. Shoigu earlier said the center would provide “sound and integrated proposals for the country's leadership to respond to crises in real time.” The Defense Ministry said in a statement that the center would be operational for at least 20-25 years and would bridge decision making between senior military commanders and government officials. The facility will also monitor the status of the Russian military in peacetime, the ministry said.