Sergei Ivanov: Putin's new left-hand man

In another first, he also brought in a woman, Lyubov Kudelina, as deputy defence minister.

Changes had been predicted, although perhaps not on this scale, but the financial markets appeared unperturbed by the moves.

Charm offensive

Mr Ivanov is a close ally of the president and, like him, was until recently a spy.

They both served in the St Petersburg KGB.

He may have more success than his predecessor at pushing through the much-needed restructuring of the armed services.

Main moves

Sergei Ivanov: first civilian defence minister Former Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev: presidential adviser on strategic stability Lyubov Kudelina: first woman deputy defence minister Boris Gryzlov: a relative newcomer and leader of the pro-Kremlin Unity party, becomes interior minister Former Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo: takes over from Sergei Ivanov as secretary of the Security Council

Reforms had not been helped by the continual sparring between former Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev and Chief of Staff Analtoli Kvashnin.

Mr Ivanov is also expected to take on a new role as the main link in the increasingly complicated relationship with the United States.

"He is a suave, soft-spoken man with a good command of English," says the BBC's Russian affairs specialist, Malcolm Haslett, "but during a recent visit to Washington there was little sign of personal 'chemistry'."

Putin's grip tightens

President Putin called the changes a step towards the demilitarisation of society.

They fit with his aim of creating a united and loyal team.

Boris Gryzlov: Meteoric rise

The three new ministers, the new chief of the security council and the foreign minister, Igor Ivanov, who held on to his job, all report directly to Mr Putin, rather than to Prime Minister, Mikhail Kasyanov.

One of the most surprising promotions is that of relative novice Boris Gryzlov, the new interior minister.

He was a little-known electrical engineer until 15 months ago when he was elected to parliament as a member of the hastily assembled pro-Putin Unity Party. He subsequenty became its leader.

His predecessor, Vladimir Rushailo, a career policeman and expert on organised crime, takes over as secretary of the influential security council.

Mr Putin promised further changes.