Bush reassures Russia over missile shield in Europ

[december]

Bush reassures Russia over missile shield in Europe :D

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21/ 05/ 2007



WASHINGTON, May 21 (RIA Novosti) - U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday the Pentagon's plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe were not directed against Russia.

The U.S. announced plans in January to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a missile defense radar in the Czech Republic as part of its missile shield aimed at countering possible threats from "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea.

Speaking with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, Bush reiterated that the defense shield in Europe is not directed against Russia, but against countries which could affect stability and peace in Europe, and said he would continue to reach out to Russia to explain Washington's motives.

Moscow has repeatedly condemned the plan, claiming that it could be a "destabilizing factor" and could threaten Russia's national security, and warned that "appropriate measures" would be taken in response.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070521/65836536.html


President Putin inspects Topol-M mobile ICBMs

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Land-based mobile strategic missile system Topol-M getting into position trategic missile division in the town of Teikovo, Ivanovo Region

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Sergei Ivanov, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (left to right) inspecting mobile Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile systems while on a visit to a division of the Strategic Missile Forces deployed in Teikovo, Ivanovo Region.

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[shodan]

U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday the Pentagon's plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe were not directed against Russia

I bet that really made them feel safer ;)

I've been suddenly transported back to the 80's and Two Tribes and all that. Cycles within cycles.

[december]

I bet that really made them feel safer ;)

I've been suddenly transported back to the 80's and Two Tribes and all that. Cycles within cycles.

Hello, shodan.

Well, Europe will be hit first unless EU stops american plans... :(


http://www.suchoj.com/ab1953/Su-37/images/Su-37_18.jpg

Russia's fifth generation combat aircraft to fly by late 2008 - Ivanov

22/ 05/ 2007


MOSCOW, May 22 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's fifth generation fighter will take to the skies by the end of 2008, a first deputy prime minister said Tuesday at a session of a government military commission.

"We are nearing the end of research and development work, and Mikhail [Pogosyan, the head of Sukhoi aircraft maker] confirmed that the first plane will make its maiden flight in late 2008," Sergei Ivanov said.

Ivanov, who oversees industrial development and is seen as a candidate to succeed President Vladimir Putin in elections next spring, said the new fighter will become the mainstay of Russian frontline aviation in the 21st century.

The minister said the new multirole fighter, developed by Sukhoi design bureau, will feature high maneuverability and stealth to ensure air superiority and precision in destroying ground and sea targets.

"The development of a new generation aircraft will certainly boost the authority and competitiveness of the Russian defense industry on global markets," Ivanov said.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070522/65892313.html

[december]

Moscow still negative on U.S. missile defense in C.Europe - Putin

23/ 05/ 2007



VIENNA, May 23 (RIA Novosti) - After recent contacts with U.S. representatives, Moscow has not changed its negative attitude toward U.S. plans to deploy missile defense elements in Central Europe, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.

The U.S. announced plans in January to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a missile defense radar in the Czech Republic as part of its missile shield aimed at countering possible threats from "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea.

"Nothing has changed, or can change following contacts with American partners," Putin told journalists.

Putin recently met in Moscow with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to discuss, among other things, the upcoming deployment of the missile defense system in Europe.

He said the U.S. action will only provoke a new spiral in the arms race.

"We believe that this is absolutely counterproductive and harmful," he said.

Moscow has repeatedly condemned the plan, claiming that it could be a "destabilizing factor" and could threaten Russia's national security, and warned that "appropriate measures" would be taken in response.

Russia's foreign minister said Tuesday the U.S.'s unilateral decision to deploy elements of a national defense system in Central and Eastern European countries jeopardizes Russia, as well as the whole of Europe.

Sergei Lavrov said Moscow has never objected to joint defense against any threat as long as these efforts are collective and the threats real.

"Therefore any unilateral steps, especially those taken in haste, are effectively setting the stage for a new division of Europe," he said.

U.S. President George W. Bush has said the Pentagon's plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe were not directed against Russia.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070523/65983829.html

[december]

U.S., Poland begin talks in Warsaw on missile shield

24/ 05/ 2007


WARSAW, May 24 (RIA Novosti) - Official talks between the United States and its ally Poland on the deployment of U.S. missile shield elements in Central Europe began in Warsaw Thursday.

The U.S. announced plans in January to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a missile defense radar in the Czech Republic as part of its missile shield aimed at countering possible threats from "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea.

Witold Waszczykowski, a Polish deputy foreign minister said that the talks are "a discussion between allies, and not belligerent parties, which want to get something at the expense of the other."

He also said that many questions remain to be answered, but that "the current meeting fills us with optimism."

Russia, infuriated by the idea of a U.S. missile shield in the territories of its former ally states, has repeatedly condemned the plan, claiming that it could be a "destabilizing factor" and threaten Russia's national security, and warning that "appropriate measures" would be taken in response.

Russia's foreign minister said Tuesday the plans jeopardize not only Russia, but the whole of Europe.

However, U.S. President George W. Bush insists that the plans are not directed against Russia.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070524/66057344.html

[december]

Pentagon reaffirms U.S. right to deny adversaries use of space

24/ 05/ 2007


WASHINGTON, May 24 (RIA Novosti) - The United States has the inherent right of self-defense to protect its national interests in space and can deny its adversaries the use of hostile space capabilities, a senior Pentagon official said Wednesday.

"The United States views purposeful interference with its space systems as an infringement on its rights and will take actions necessary to preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in space including denying, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to U.S. national interests," Major General James Armor, director of the National Security Space Office said at a congressional hearings.

Proposed government spending on space defense programs was hit by severe cuts when the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $2.9 trillion fiscal 2008 budget May 17, but reduced the proposed $8.9 billion on missile defenses by $764 million.

The Anti-Ballistic Laser (ABL) program was seriously affected, along with other "less mature" initiatives, such as Space Tracking and Surveillance, Multiple Kill Vehicles, and Missile Defense Space Test Bed, primarily linked to the deployment of missile defenses in outer space.

The general said Wednesday that the National Space Policy, issued by President Bush in August 2006, stipulates that the United States must possess an advanced space defense potential to counter threats from potential adversaries.

"The response to threats to our space capabilities must include... capabilities to deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space in order to protect our capabilities, ensure our terrestrial forces and keep the U.S. homeland safe," he said.

China tested its space weapons in January by destroying one of its old meteorological satellites with a medium-range ballistic missile, and the United States expressed concern over the theoretical possibility that China could shoot down satellites operated by other countries.

China later confirmed the destruction of its satellite, but said it was not planning to spread an arms race into space.

The U.S. general reiterated Wednesday that "potential adversaries must understand that an attack on a U.S. satellite will be considered a hostile act."

Speaking at the same congressional hearings, Donald Mahley, a senior State Department official, supported the Pentagon's views on the issue of the U.S. space defense program and said that the U.S. space capability must enable a broad range of options, from diplomatic to military, to prevent the hostile use of space by potential foes.

The U.S. Senate will hold a closed business meeting Thursday to markup the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070524/66025416.html

[december]

New wars require new weapons

24/ 05/ 2007


MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Andrei Kislyakov) - Military dictionaries say that what distinguishes war from peace is the massive use of weapons. But today this interpretation is desperately obsolete.

The goal of a war of the future will not be to seize enemy territory but to deal surgical strikes against sensitive targets.

International borders are not violated, large-scale use of ground troops and armor is becoming a thing of the past, and the role of strategic aviation is diminished. The traditional nuclear triad is being replaced with non-nuclear high-accuracy weapons with different basing modes.

In turn, this implies the presence of numerous satellite-based reconnaissance, warning and targeting systems that themselves require protection. This factor alone makes the development of space weapons inevitable.

This series of articles deals with work on orbital combat systems, modernization of strategic arms and development of entirely new types of weapons.

Space weapons

These are weapons and auxiliary systems designed for deployment and use in space. They consist of different types, principles of action and designations. It is necessary to divide them into active and passive elements. The latter include satellite systems for reconnaissance, communications, and target indication that have been used by many countries for a long time.

The more dangerous type, however, is the active elements, which can be used for anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defense, radio-electronic warfare, orbital bombing of any territory with nuclear and non-nuclear warheads, and anti-satellite weapons.

The main types of space-based assault weapons are:

1. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Their warheads are put into what is called the "staging orbit." In the event of a crisis and a command to destroy targets, the multiple-warhead-dispensing mechanism comes into action. This basing mode was suggested for the American MX ICBM when Soviet-U.S. tensions reached their peak in the early 1980s.

2. Ground-, air- and space-launched anti-satellite missiles.

3. Directed energy weapons, including chemical and X-ray lasers and beams.

4. Electronic weapons: pulse generators of powerful radio waves for radio-electronic warfare and magnetic-field-generated and plasma compression pulses.

The main point is that space-based weapons allow comprehensive control over the Earth's surface. The appearance of permanent manned military stations in near-Earth orbit is only a matter of time.

Nonetheless, such stations will not be developed in the near future, but automatic systems will. They will be equipped with weapons based on new physical principles. Moreover, there is evidence that a system has already been sent into space equipped with missiles and lasers capable of destroying satellites in low, medium and stationary orbits.

The military rivalry in space between the Soviet Union and the United States in the late 1950s took two forms: anti-missile defense and action against a potential enemy's space-based systems.

In the United States, work in both areas saw mixed success but without any obvious conflicts between the people involved, whereas in the Soviet Union it was dominated by good old-fashioned behind-the-scenes clan struggle.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070524/66014337.html

[december]

Russia hits target in ICBM debut test

29/ 05/ 2007


MOSCOW, May 29 (RIA Novosti) - Russia successfully test-launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia Tuesday, a press spokesman for the strategic missile forces said.

The RS-24 with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) warheads was launched from a mobile missile system at 2:20 p.m. Moscow time (10:20 a.m. GMT).

"The targets have been reached and objectives achieved completely," Vadim Koval said, adding that the ICBM's destination was a testing ground in Kamchatka, in the Far East.

Koval said the new ICBM met all international requirements in terms of strategic offensive arms reduction and was capable of avoiding missile defense systems and, consequently, would enhance Russia's nuclear deterrent potential when deployed.

The test comes against the background of growing tensions between Moscow and the West regarding plans by the United States to deploy elements of its global antiballistic missile defense system in Central Europe.

Although Washington claims the move is needed to counter possible attacks from "rogue states," Moscow has condemned the plans as a threat to its national security and a destabilizing factor for Europe.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070529/66260249.html

http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/russia/images/start-mbr-topol-plesetsk.jpg

[december]

Russian officials tout Iskander, MIRV as "21st century weapons"

30/ 05/ 2007


KOSTROMA/KAPUSTIN YAR (Astrakhan Region), May 30 (RIA Novosti) - The commander of the Russian Ground Forces, Alexei Maslov, said Wednesday Russia has "a 21st century weapon," following two successful missile tests Tuesday.

Earlier commenting on the tests - of a strategic RS-24 MIRV intercontinental missile launched from the north and a new version of the Iskander (SS-26), an advanced theater-level surface-to-surface missile in the south - Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said, "Russians need not worry about defense: they can look confidently to the future."

"We now have new [missile] systems at the strategic as well as theater level," Ivanov had said, adding that "these systems can beat any operational and future missile defenses," in a veiled reference to U.S. plans to place part of its missile shield in Central Europe, notably Poland and Czech Republic.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the U.S. plans at a Tuesday meeting with Jose Socrates, the premier of Portugal poised to take over as EU presidency on July 1.

"We believe that attempts to turn Europe into a powder keg and to deploy new kinds of weapons are harmful and dangerous," Putin said.

The RS-24 is a MIRVed version of the operational Topol-M (SS-25), carrying up to 10 independently targetable warheads.

The R-500 is a new cruise missile adapted for the Iskander launcher previously used only with tactical ballistic missiles. With a range of up to 280 km (170 miles), a radar-evading trajectory and a hit error of no more than three meters, it can be effectively used against small targets, including separate missile launchers.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070530/66322059.html

[december]

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Putin says missile tests were response to NATO's actions

31/ 05/ 2007


MOSCOW, May 31 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's president said Thursday his country's recent tests of new ballistic missiles and possible withdrawal from an arms control treaty are a direct response to harsh, unreasonable actions by NATO countries.

Speaking at a news conference after meeting with the Greek president in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin said Russia did not initiate the new wave of an international arms race, and condemned the planned deployment of a U.S. missile shield in Europe, and the development of new military bases on the continent.

"There is no need to fear Russia's actions, they are not aggressive... They are aimed at maintaining balance in the world order, and are extremely important for maintaining peace and security globally," Putin said.

Russia conducted successful tests this week of a new ballistic missile with MIRV and a cruise missile allegedly capable of penetrating any operational and future missile defenses.

"We conducted a test of a new strategic ballistic missile with multiple warheads, and of a new cruise missile, and will continue to improve our resources," Putin said.

The president suggested recently that Moscow might suspend its obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty if talks with NATO countries on its implementation show no visible progress.

No NATO members have yet ratified the re-drafted CFE pact, demanding that Russia first withdraw from Soviet-era bases in Georgia and Moldova under previous agreements.

Russia, concerned over Europe's refusal to ratify the re-drafted version of the accord, and acceptance by certain EU states of U.S. missile shield plans on the continent, proposed on Monday holding an emergency CFE conference in Vienna on June 12-15.

"We are fully observing the provisions of the [CFE] treaty and have pulled out all heavy weaponry from the European part of Russia. We have reduced our armed forces by 300,000 personnel in the past few years, but what about our partners?" Putin said.

"They are inundating eastern Europe with new weapons - a new base in Bulgaria, another base in Romania, a [missile interceptor] site in Poland, a radar in the Czech Republic," the president said. "What are we supposed to do? We cannot just observe all this and continue to keep our obligations under the treaty."

Putin also stressed that the United States unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002, paving the way to the deployment of its missile shield in Europe.

"Our American partners have left the ABM Treaty," he said. "We warned them then that we would take measures in response, to maintain the global strategic balance."

The U.S. plans to deploy a missile defense radar in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in Poland as part of its European missile shield allegedly against "rogue" states, such as Iran and North Korea.

Since Washington announced the plans earlier this year, Russia has vehemently opposed the deployment, citing its own national security concerns. Some of Russia's top generals hinted that the bases, if opened, could be targeted by Russian missiles.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070531/66418953.html

[december]

Why does Europe need missile defense?

30/ 05/ 2007

MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Pyotr Goncharov) - None of the European leaders has so far given a clear answer to this question.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, thinks the answer must come from Russia, a country that is going to have, right on its borders, the U.S. radar and missile interceptors, and the United States, the architect of the system. The two nations need to reach an agreement before explaining the "Euro-ABM" idea to the international community.

Each of the two nations certainly has an answer ready. What they lack is agreement, because their answers are mutually exclusive.

Official Moscow and its General Staff are convinced that the U.S. antimissile bases to be built in Europe will be targeted at Russia, and the alleged protection of the U.S. against a North Korean or Iranian missile attack is just a pretext used by the U.S. government.

In fact, Iranian and North Korean missiles, if ever made, won't have to cross Europe on their way to the U.S., but will fly over the North Pole. Therefore, the ten antimissiles deployed in Poland will stand idle, because interceptors can only hit their targets head-on. The X-band tracking radar in the Czech Republic, on the other hand, would come in handy for spying on the European part of Russia up to the Urals. It means that the antimissile base will be built in Poland as a cover for the radar.

The U.S. had insisted from the very beginning that it was building the "Euro-ABM" to protect its European allies from North Korean and Iranian missiles. Its argument sounded quite logical, since North Korean missiles have the potential of reaching Europe today, while Iranian ones will probably have it tomorrow.

But Moscow has counterarguments. Why would North Korea want to attack Europe? Iran has no reason to attack it either, because its relations with Europe are far less strained than with the U.S.

The Guardian has even quoted an official source in Warsaw as saying that Poland was not afraid of Iranian missiles; it was sooner fearful of Russia's missiles.

It is easy to trace Warsaw's logic here. Thirty-five years ago, the U.S.S.R. and the United States came to the conclusion that if one of them boosted strategic defense, the other's defense potential substantially decreased. Therefore, they signed the ABM Treaty, which restricted the development of their strategic defenses as well as their geography.

Certainly a new "Euro-ABM" installed by the U.S. will trigger an "adequate" response from Russia.

The word "adequate" does not necessarily mean Russia will take similar moves. Moscow has decided on an "asymmetrical" response instead.

Russia's General Staff at first mulled the option of Russia's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, but the decision seemed a little too asymmetrical. Medium range missiles cannot reach the key "Euro-ABM" architect anyway, whereas denouncing one of the few nuclear restriction treaties still in force could have unpredictable consequences.

INF is a big problem for Russia now. Having destroyed its shorter and intermediate-range missiles in compliance with the treaty, Russia has ended up surrounded by countries producing such missiles without a second thought: North and South Korea, China, India, Pakistan, and possibly Iran. But Russian officials are fully aware that this problem should by no means be linked to the Euro-ABM issue. All the more so since Washington signed the 1987 INF treaty with the U.S.S.R. under pressure from its NATO allies.

NATO and Western Europe had a reason to be worried then, as Soviet and U.S. ground based shorter and intermediate range missiles were deployed there in excess: Pershings and SS-20 missiles with independently targeted warheads. The INF Treaty called for the destruction of 1,836 Soviet missiles and 859 U.S. ones.

Experts have found a solution after a short discussion. Russia's intercontinental ballistic missiles, the famous Topol-M's with maneuvering warheads are the only missiles in the world capable of accelerating to supersonic speed while at the same time changing direction twice a minute to fool warning radars. They are invulnerable to ABM systems. Many of them can also be fired to shorter ranges compensating for the shortage of medium-range missiles.

The French Le Figaro published an article in May, "Can Paris Bring Peace to Russian-American Relations?" The author reflected on what could be done to attract Russia to the U.S. missile defense project.

We can only dream of a France that could mediate between Washington and Moscow, the author laments. Why, the dream can come true one day.

A joint missile defense project can still be implemented in the long run. The U.S. attempt to invite Russia to participate in its plan hasn't worked; it would hardly work the other way around, either. But it would, if both Russia and the U.S. were invited to build a joint missile shield, with Europe included.

Europe dreams of mediating between Russia and the U.S., while it might just as well dream of participating in a joint Russia-U.S.-Europe missile defense project.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070530/66363123.html

[december]

Czechs have staged another protest against US plans to build a radar station in their country as part of a missile defence shield - and the issue looks set to overshadow US President George Bush's visit to Prague on 4-5 June.

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The rally was not large - but polls show most Czechs oppose the base
The US says expanding the defence system will protect both America and Europe from any attack by Iran or other so-called "rogue states".

But the Czech government, which has launched formal talks on the base with Washington, appears to be having difficulty persuading its citizens.

Neighbouring Poland - set to host US interceptor rockets - has seen similar protests.

Demonstrations in the Czech Republic usually conform to three fundamental rules: they are rarely large, they are almost never violent and they are often surreal.

Saturday's protest - organised by a group called "No to Bases" - was no exception.


Barely 2,000 people - in a city of 1.2 million - attended the protest. It passed off peacefully, with the exception of a brief shouting match as angry taxi drivers attempted to force their way through the crowd. And jumping up and down a few metres away was a group of young anarchists, dressed as circus clowns.

READ MORE -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6697757.stm

[december]

Russia to reply adequately to U.S. missile shield in Europe - FM

05/ 06/ 2007

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

SEOUL, June 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russian military will make decisions necessary for the country's national defense, in response to U.S. plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe, the Russian foreign minister said Tuesday.

Russia has responded angrily to U.S. plans, announced in January, to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic to counter possible missiles attacks from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea.

"Everything that we have done and will do is based on our responsibility and the responsibility of the Russian government to do everything possible to avoid new threats that Russia may be subjected to," Sergei Lavrov said. "That is why military planners have the right to make decisions, which are necessary to defend the country."

Speaking Friday ahead of a summit of the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States' mooted missile bases in Europe would be part of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and that Russia could be forced to aim its nuclear weapons at Europe.

"If part of the U.S.' strategic nuclear arsenal is located in Europe and our military experts find that it poses a threat to Russia, we will have to take appropriate retaliatory steps," he said "We will have new targets in Europe."

The Russian president is set to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush, along with other G8 leaders at Germany's Baltic resort of Heiligendamm, at the G8 summit from June 6 to 8.

Putin also said Washington's proposal to Russia to cooperate in the missile defense sphere was limited to Russia providing its missiles for target practice, which was an unreasonable offer.

"Our American partners want us to provide them with our missiles as targets, so that they can conduct exercises using our missiles. This is just brilliant. What a great idea they've thought up."

Russia already tested last week a new ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and a new cruise missile, saying the tests were part of Moscow's response to the U.S. anti-missile plans.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070605/66682646.html

[december]

Pentagon plans three missile interceptor tests this summer

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06/ 06/ 2007

WASHINGTON, June 6 (RIA Novosti) - The United States is planning to conduct three test launches of ballistic missile interceptors by the end of September as part of its missile defense program, a spokesman for Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said.

MDA spokesman Rick Lehner said in an interview with RIA Novosti Tuesday that the agency planned to test a sea-based missile interceptor in late-June or mid-July, a THAAD (short- to mid-range) missile interceptor in July, and a ground-based long-range interceptor in late August-September.

A recent test of a long-range interceptor was aborted May 25 when a target rocket launched from Alaska fell into the Pacific Ocean before an interceptor missile could be launched from California.

"The target did not reach sufficient altitude to be deemed a threat, and so the Ballistic Missile Defense System did not engage it, as designed," Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry Obering III, director of the Missile Defense Agency, said in a statement following the test failure.

Lehner said Tuesday that the failed test would be repeated by using a new "dummy target" or a target missile that had been scheduled for use in a test next fall.

The U.S. has conducted 27 successful tests of its missile defense system since 2001, while seven tests resulted in failure.

The U.S. national missile defense system currently deploys missile interceptors at Fort Greeley, Alaska, and at Vandenberg, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.

The United States is also planning to expand its missile shield to sites in the Czech Republic and Poland.

The Kremlin has responded angrily to U.S. plans, announced in January, saying U.S. missile bases in Europe could become targets of its pinpoint strikes.

Russia last week tested a new ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and a new cruise missile, saying the tests were part of Moscow's response to U.S. anti-missile plans.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070606/66773730.html

[december]

Russia awaits U.S. response on new radar proposal - senior MP

08/ 06/ 2007


MOSCOW, June 8 (RIA Novosti) - U.S. reaction to Russia's proposal to jointly use a radar in Azerbaijan as part of a global missile shield will show Washington's motives behind its planned missile defense system in Europe, a senior Russian lawmaker said Friday.

The presidents of Russia and the United States agreed Thursday to cooperate on missile defense issues, and Vladimir Putin offered the U.S. joint use of the Gabala radar installation in Azerbaijan in an apparent attempt to ease tensions sparked by Washington's missile shield plans.

"The U.S. response to the Russian proposal will reveal whether the Americans are really concerned about the threats coming from certain global regions, which are common for both Russia and the United States," said Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the International Affairs Committee at the lower house of the Russian parliament.

The meeting in Germany's Baltic resort of Heiligendamm was the leaders' first since Washington announced earlier this year that it was expanding its missile shield to sites in the Czech Republic and Poland, allegedly to counter a potential threat from Iran and North Korea.

The Kremlin initially responded angrily to the U.S. plans, citing threats to national security, and warned that U.S. missile bases in Europe could become targets of Russian pinpoint strikes.

The bilateral discussions on the sidelines of a G8 summit lasted around one hour, and also involved White House National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley. After the talks, Bush did not give a specific response to Putin's proposal, but said his Russian counterpart had made some "interesting suggestions." However, Hadley went a step further, saying Washington was willing to study the offer.

"If the Americans reject Russia's offer under a certain pretext, we will know for sure that their true goal is not only to stave off a potential threat from Iran or North Korea, but also to neutralize Russia's nuclear potential, which we could have assumed earlier," Kosachev said.

The Gabala radar station, which Russia leases from Azerbaijan, is the most powerful in the region. It has a range of about 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) and enables Russia's Space Forces to monitor launches of intercontinental ballistic and other missiles in Asia and parts of Africa.

Russia's First Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Belousov said Friday the Gabala radar was capable of detecting all launches of ballistic missiles from the southern direction.

"Why build something new, for instance, in the Czech Republic or Poland, if we already have everything," Belousov said, referring to the radar capabilities in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's foreign minister reiterated Friday the Caucasus state was ready to start talks with Russia and the United States on the joint use of its Gabala radar station.

"Russia has approached us with an initiative to use the radar along with the U.S.," Elmar Mamedyarov said. "Azerbaijan is prepared to start consultations in a bilateral and three-party format."

The radar was leased to Russia for 10 years in 2002. It is an early warning system capable of tracing ballistic missiles and other flying objects with high accuracy. The station, Russia's only military facility in Azerbaijan, plays a significant role in the Russian air defense system.

Kosachev said that if the U.S. accepted Russia's proposal, it would mark the beginning of a new kind of partnership between Moscow and Washington because "for the first time some elements of the Russian and U.S. missile defenses would be integrated, leading to cooperation in response to mutual threats, rather than rivalry."

http://www.phrasebase.com/images/map_Azerbaijan.gif

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070608/66898697.html

[december]

Will America agree to swap ABM systems?

08/ 06/ 2007



MOSCOW. (Military commentator Viktor Safonov for RIA Novosti) - At this year's G8 summit in Heiligendamm, President Vladimir Putin made George W. Bush an offer he will have difficulty refusing.

Why deploy missile interceptors and a radar in the Czech Republic and Poland to protect Europe against "rogue countries" when there is a much simpler, cheaper and more effective solution?

The Daryal early-warning missile radar is located in Gabala, Azerbaijan, just 180 km to the north of Baku - that is, close to the Iranian border. Using it instead of placing new ABM elements in Europe would benefit everyone.

Washington would remove Moscow's natural concern that the American ground-based interceptors on the Baltic Sea coast are meant for Russian strategic missiles in the Tver, Kaluga, Ivanovo and Vladimir regions. Warsaw, Prague and their European neighbors would no longer be afraid of the Russian Topol-M and Iskander-M missiles that, as Putin has warned, will be targeted at them. The United States would have the opportunity to observe Iranian airspace. The Gabala radar monitors land, water, air and space up to 6,000 kilometers away, the same as the distance from Turkey to Singapore.

Azerbaijan also stands to gain from this proposal. By different estimates, Russia pays it $7-$10 million to lease the Gabala radar. The 900 Russian officers at the station create jobs for the local population. If they are joined by American officers, Azerbaijan will get even more money.

But the main point is that the Pentagon would gain an official foothold in the South Caucasian Republic without embarrassing Baku in front of its strategic partner, Moscow. Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told the Novosti-Azerbaijan news agency that bilateral talks on this radar had been held with both Russia and the United States. He said that Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov had discussed this issue with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, during the latter's recent trip to Baku.

Later on, Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vasily Istratov spoke about the possibility of using the Gabala radar as an element of an American ABM system. But his suggestion did not create much of a stir in the international media.

The question of whether the United States will agree to this tempting proposal remains open. Many military analysts believe that Washington is likely to reject Moscow's proposal using some plausible-sounding excuse because it needs strategic ABM system in Europe in order to be able to target Topol-M, Stilet and Satan missiles in European Russia and the southern Urals.

This problem has another aspect. It doesn't even matter whether Russian strategic missiles are a threat to the United States. What matters is the huge amount of money that the American taxpayer, scared by years of propaganda, is ready to spend on national security. The military-industrial complex's lobbyists in Congress and the White House will not allow this money to be used for any other purpose.

Russia and the United States are not likely to cooperate in the ABM sphere. Since 1998, Moscow and Washington have been unsuccessfully trying to reach an agreement on establishing centers for the exchange of information on strategic missile launches on a reciprocal basis. The Russia-NATO Council has set up a joint group to establish a theater ABM system in Europe. It has conducted a dozen consultations and several staff exercises, practiced joint action, reconnaissance and warning. The sides have agreed on what hardware should be used to repel a tactical missile attack - NATO is going to buy the American PAC-3 Patriot. Brussels says that the Russian systems cannot be used for reasons of "operational incompatibility."

Meanwhile, Greece, a NATO member, has built its entire anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense using the Russian Top-M1 and S-300PMU1 systems. It is clear that Europe favors American defense companies over their Russian counterparts.

Putin's latest proposal is likely to meet with the same response. After high-level discussions on using the Gabala radar for protection against Iranian missiles, experts will conclude that it is "incompatible" with the American ABM system.

The ABM swap, therefore, is unlikely. Analysts expect Washington to deploy its elements as planned - near Prague and near Warsaw.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070608/66928453.html

[december]

Russia awaits U.S. response on new radar proposal - senior MP

Quote:

"If the Americans reject Russia's offer under a certain pretext, we will know for sure that their true goal is not only to stave off a potential threat from Iran or North Korea, but also to neutralize Russia's nuclear potential, which we could have assumed earlier," Kosachev said.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070608/66898697.html

Nato wary on joint missile shield

Nato has reacted cautiously to a Russian offer to use a radar facility in Azerbaijan as part of a joint missile defence system with the US.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/43025000/jpg/_43025819_schefferap203b.jpg

Mr De Hoop Scheffer criticised Russia over its missile aim claim

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6734395.stm



Russia warns US on missile plan

Saturday, 9 June 2007

The US should halt moves to deploy a missile defence shield in central Europe, pending further talks, the Russian foreign minister has said.
Sergei Lavrov was speaking after President Bush made clear Poland and the US were committed to the plan.
Russia has proposed a radar station in Azerbaijan should be used instead of Polish and also Czech locations.
Mr Lavrov said US plans could "seriously complicate" talks on the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme.
The United Nations imposed sanctions on Iran in March after it refused to suspend its uranium enrichment programme.

READ MORE -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6737207.stm

[december]

"If the Americans reject Russia's offer under a certain pretext, we will know for sure that their true goal is not only to stave off a potential threat from Iran or North Korea, but also to neutralize Russia's nuclear potential, which we could have assumed earlier," Kosachev said.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070608/66898697.html



Iran Says U.S. Case for Europe Anti-Missile Shield Is a `Joke'

By Ed Johnson

June 4 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. case for a missile defense shield to protect Europe from Iran is the ``joke of the year'' because Iranian weapons cannot reach the continent, said Ali Larijani, the country's chief nuclear negotiator.

Iran has no intention of attacking its most important commercial partner, the official Islamic Republic News Agency cited Larijani as saying yesterday.
``Iranian missiles do not reach Europe'' and it's hard to believe U.S. authorities don't know that, Larijani said, according to the report.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aH9_iTEfmfPU&refer=germany



Joint use of Azeri radar does not remove Iran threat - Obering

15/ 06/ 2007


TOKYO, June 15 (RIA Novosti) - The joint use of a radar in Azerbaijan, which Russia has proposed to Washington, would not remove the threat of a missile attack from Iran, the U.S. missile defense chief said Friday.

President Vladimir Putin proposed earlier in June that the U.S. use a powerful radar station Russia leases from the Caucasus state to monitor possible attacks from Iran and North Korea instead of opening installations in Central Europe, which Moscow regards as a threat to its security.

In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri newspaper published Friday, Henry Obering, head of the United States Missile Defense Agency, said if Washington accepted Russia's proposal it would remain exposed to Iran's missile strikes, but he hailed the offer as a very friendly move.

Obering said installing a radar in the Czech Republic and a missile base in Poland was the best possible decision given studies of the possible flight trajectories of long-range ballistic missiles the Islamic Republic was working on at the moment. He said the bases in Europe would be opened in 2011-2013.

Putin's proposal at a Group of Eight leading industrialized nations summit in Germany marked a thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington after weeks of tensions over U.S. missile shield plans in Europe, when Putin threatened to point Russian warheads at Europe in a flashback to the Cold War confrontation.

Obering said Washington was studying the possibility of using the radar in Azerbaijan, an oil-rich nation bordering on Iran. He said sharing information on detected launches from Iran could be useful to the U.S. military.

If Russia joined the missile defense shield being created, it would be a strong message to Iran and North Korea, Obering said.

Azerbaijan's president reiterated Friday that he was prepared to discuss details of Russia-U.S. cooperation at the Gabala radar station if Moscow and Washington continued their dialogue on the matter. Bush earlier said Putin's proposal needed discussion between military experts.

But Ilkhan Aliyev said he was opposed to opening new bases in his country, in an apparent reference to Russia's concerns about earlier reports on U.S. military plans for the South Caucasus region.

Cooperation should be confined to "sharing radar data, and there is no need to build new facilities," Aliyev said, adding that foreign military contingents were not necessary in the country either.

NATO defense ministers are expected to study possible political and military consequences of U.S. plans to extend its missile shield to Europe for the NATO theater missile defense.

NATO Spokesman James Appathurai said Friday the study would be completed by February 2008, two months ahead of a NATO summit in Romania. He said NATO countries had backed the plans, and the alliance had suggested linking Europe's missile defenses to the mulled U.S. installations.

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov is expected to meet with Pentagon chief Robert Gates in Brussels Friday on the sidelines of a two-day session of NATO defense ministers to discuss the missile shield plans, among other issues, a member of the Russian delegation said.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070615/67264998.html

[december]

NATO's Scheffer may meet Putin June 26 in Moscow

19/ 06/ 2007



MOSCOW, June 19 (RIA Novosti) - NATO's secretary general could meet with the Russian president June 26 at the Russia-NATO Council ambassadorial session in Moscow, dedicated to the Council's fifth anniversary, Russia's ambassador to NATO said Tuesday.

http://img.rian.ru/images/169/22/1692233.jpg

Konstantin Totsky said Jaap de Hoop Scheffer will arrive in Moscow in late June, but his visit will not be totally official as it will be held as part of festivities in Moscow and St. Petersburg to celebrate the anniversary of the Council.

"A schedule of [Russian] President [Vladimir Putin] is currently being coordinated and finalized, but we expect the meeting between the secretary general and the president to go ahead June 26," Totsky said during a Brussels-Moscow TV link, adding that "we expect no breakthrough decisions from this meeting."

NATO's reluctance to ratify the re-drafted Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE) is currently a key source of tension between Russia and the Western security alliance.

Putin earlier said Russia could withdraw from the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty, arguing that the pact had not been ratified by any NATO member states. NATO members have demanded that Russia first withdraw from Soviet-era bases in Georgia and Moldova under previous agreements.

The original CFE treaty, signed in 1990 to reduce conventional military forces on the continent and amended in 1999 in Istanbul in line with post-Cold War realities, has so far only been ratified by Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070619/67462993.html

[december]

Iran no justification for missile shield - Russian FM

20/ 06/ 2007

http://img.rian.ru/images/5738/63/57386325.jpg


TEHRAN, June 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russia does not consider Iran a threat and it should not be used to justify plans to deploy missiles in Europe, Russia's foreign minister told a Wednesday news conference in Tehran.

"We do not see any threat from Iran. Russia's leaders have said that many times. And we do not see any reason why the issue of an Iranian threat is being used to justify [plans to] deploy missile defense systems in Europe," Sergei Lavrov said.

If the U.S. has any concerns about Iran's missile capabilities, Lavrov said, they can be removed by using the Gabala radar, proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as an alternative missile defense site at the G8 summit earlier this month.

Lavrov said he had outlined Russia's proposals on Gabala and its position on the missile shield to Iran's President Mahmoud Admadinejad and Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070620/67548675.html




Iran Says U.S. Case for Europe Anti-Missile Shield Is a `Joke'

By Ed Johnson

June 4 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. case for a missile defense shield to protect Europe from Iran is the ``joke of the year'' because Iranian weapons cannot reach the continent, said Ali Larijani, the country's chief nuclear negotiator.

Iran has no intention of attacking its most important commercial partner, the official Islamic Republic News Agency cited Larijani as saying yesterday.
``Iranian missiles do not reach Europe'' and it's hard to believe U.S. authorities don't know that, Larijani said, according to the report.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aH9_iTEfmfPU&refer=germany

[december]

Russian military says response to Gabala test for U.S.

21/ 06/ 2007

http://img.rian.ru/images/6689/55/66895592.jpg

MOSCOW, June 21 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's chief of general staff suggested Thursday Washington's insistence on its missile defense plans, and the likely rejection of Russia's offer to use a radar in Azerbaijan, will reveal the real U.S. motives.

"We are saying quite openly that, if we get no response to our proposal.... which we are ready to back up technologically, then everything will be clear. In fact, the entire world will see the real purpose of the 'third site' in Poland and the Czech Republic, and who its perceived targets are," Yury Baluyevsky told a RIA Novosti news conference.

"What we can currently see is that some senior U.S. officials are trying to down play - and I mean what I say - the nature of Russia's proposal. I am, notably, speaking about Mr. Gates," Baluyevsky said.

"In a nutshell, I think the U.S. assessment of what Putin proposed in Heiligendamm is as follows. Washington is firmly set on deploying its missile defenses in Europe, which means that the current U.S. administration will not respond positively to Russia's initiative," Baluyevsky said.

"Our proposals to U.S. partners are, in fact, much broader than the Gabala radar. Somehow, what this radar cannot do seems to be the only thing everyone is talking about," he added.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070621/67608713.html




Iran Says U.S. Case for Europe Anti-Missile Shield Is a `Joke'

By Ed Johnson

June 4 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. case for a missile defense shield to protect Europe from Iran is the ``joke of the year'' because Iranian weapons cannot reach the continent, said Ali Larijani, the country's chief nuclear negotiator.

Iran has no intention of attacking its most important commercial partner, the official Islamic Republic News Agency cited Larijani as saying yesterday.
``Iranian missiles do not reach Europe'' and it's hard to believe U.S. authorities don't know that, Larijani said, according to the report.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aH9_iTEfmfPU&refer=germany


Outside View: NATO much closer to Russian border

Russia does not even have any plans to develop intermediate- or medium-range ballistic missiles, whereas the United States is intensively developing submarine-based, medium-range missiles. Moreover, frightened Europe will turn to its big brother for protection. In that case, the deployment of U.S. medium-range missiles would create a worse headache for the Russian strategic nuclear force than it did in the 1980s, because now NATO is much closer to the Russian border and its missiles could reach our launch sites in a matter of minutes.

http://wpherald.com/articles/4445/1/Outside-View-NATO-much-closer-to-Russian-border/Russia-capable-of-resuming-production-of-ballistic-missiles.html

[december]

Russia to commission 3 Topol-M ICBMs this year - missile general

23/ 06/ 2007

MOSCOW, June 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will have commissioned three road-mobile Topol-M ICBMs this year, the Strategic Missile Forces commander said Saturday.

"In the end of 2007 we will commission another missile battalion equipped with newest Topol-M ICBMs at Teikovo missile base, Ivanovo Region," Col. Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov said, addressing the graduates of Russia's top missile force academy.

Earlier this year Solovtsov said the deployment of silo-based Topol-M systems in the Saratov Region and road-mobile systems in the Ivanovo Region (central Russia) would be completed in 2010.

As of December 2006, the Strategic Missile Forces operated 44 silo-based and three mobile missiles. The SMF press service said that, while 48 silo-based systems would be on duty by late 2007, the Teikovo base is being migrated to cutting-edge road-mobile missiles.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070623/67702588.html

Land-based mobile strategic missile system Topol getting into position

http://img.rian.ru/images/5696/26/56962607.jpg

http://img.rian.ru/images/5696/28/56962813.jpg

[december]

NATO hopes Russia remains in CFE treaty

26/ 06/ 2007

http://img.rian.ru/images/6784/09/67840962.jpg


MOSCOW, June 26 (RIA Novosti) - NATO hopes Russia will not quit the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty, the alliance's secretary general told journalists Tuesday.

A problem overshadowing cooperation between Russia and NATO is the bloc's refusal to ratify an updated version of the Soviet-era CFE treaty, aimed at regulating the deployment of non-nuclear weapons on the continent.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow that he hoped all steps would be made under the adapted CFE treaty.

Scheffer said NATO's position did not completely coincide with Russia's position. He said the CFE treaty was the cornerstone of European security and should remain so. He also said the treaty did not envision a moratorium.

Putin has threatened to impose a moratorium on Russia's participation in the crucial arms reduction accord, linking ratification delays to the planned deployment of a U.S. missile shield in Europe and the expected opening of new NATO bases in Bulgaria and Romania.

NATO states have argued that Russia should first withdraw its troops from Moldova and Georgia before the alliance's members ratify the amended CFE treaty, while Moscow insists the issues are unrelated.

The 1990 conventional armaments control treaty between the trans-Atlantic alliance and the former Warsaw Pact was updated in 1999 to reflect the realities of the post-Cold War era.

Regarding Russia-U.S. missile defense cooperation, Scheffer said Putin had given thorough information regarding proposals for the joint use of the Gabala radar in Azerbaijan.

Putin proposed earlier in June that the U.S. use the powerful radar station Russia leases from the Caucasus state to monitor possible attacks from Iran and North Korea, instead of opening installations in Central Europe, which Moscow regards as a security threat.

Scheffer said that although he was not an expert, :D he believed the Gabala radar would not resolve all problems related to missile threats from "rogue states."

The U.S. announced in January plans to deploy an early-warning radar in the Czech Republic and a missile interceptor base in Poland as part of its Central European missile shield.

Scheffer said Putin and his U.S. counterpart George Bush would discuss the issue at a meeting in early July.

He also said Russia's statements about targeting missiles at Europe was not appropriate to the missile defense discussion, and called on the parties to tone down the rhetoric.

"The NATO-Russia relationship is one of partnership, and in the framework of the partnership the remarks about targeting missiles are inappropriate, and they do not have a place in these discussions," de Hoop Scheffer said.

Speaking ahead of a recent summit of the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations, Putin said the United States' mooted missile bases in Europe would be part of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and that Russia could be forced to aim its nuclear weapons at Europe.

"If part of the U.S.' strategic nuclear arsenal is located in Europe and our military experts find that it poses a threat to Russia, we will have to take appropriate retaliatory steps," he said. "We will have new targets in Europe."

Regarding Kosovo, the NATO secretary general asked the Russian leader to do everything possible to adopt a decision on the province's status.

Moscow objects to sovereignty for Kosovo, a predominantly ethnic Albanian region that has been a UN protectorate since NATO expelled Serb forces from the province in 1999, arguing that the move would violate Serbia's territorial integrity and set a dangerous international precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union.

It has threatened to use its veto power on the UN Security Council to block UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari's plan granting "supervised independence" status to Serbia's predominantly ethnic Albanian province.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070626/67863762.html

[december]

Russia enters new stage of missile systems development - Ivanov


26/ 06/ 2007

IZHEVSK, June 26 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is making a transition to a new stage in the development of the country's strategic and tactical nuclear arsenals, a Russian first deputy prime minister said Tuesday.

"We are entering an important new stage in the development of both strategic nuclear forces and tactical missile systems," Sergei Ivanov said.

The former defense minister said he was mainly talking about the commissioning of new Topol-M ICBMs, including with multiple warheads, and Iskander-M missile systems.

As of December 2006, the Strategic Missile Forces operated 44 silo-based and three mobile missile systems. The SMF press service said earlier that, while 48 silo-based systems would be on duty by late 2007, the Teikovo base in central Russia's Ivanovo Region is being migrated to cutting-edge road-mobile missiles.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070626/67859639.html

[december]

Bush reassures Russia over missile shield in Europe

http://img.rian.ru/images/4321/01/43210119.jpg

21/ 05/ 2007

WASHINGTON, May 21 (RIA Novosti) - U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday the Pentagon's plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe were not directed against Russia.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070521/65836536.html

He reassures Russia but Condoleezza Rice thinks that there is still the Soviet Union on the map:

:D

Putin Plays Hard Ball as Rice Reassures 'Soviets'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a moratorium on a 1990 arms control treaty in response to US plans for a missile shield in Europe. Condoleezza Rice, meanwhile, has blasted Moscow's fears as being "ludicrous."


Conflict over plans by the United States to build a missile defense shield (more...) in Europe continues to grow, with Moscow proving resistant to American attempts to include Russia and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice slowly losing patience with the "Soviets."

The rhetoric heated up Thursday as Putin, in his annual speech to both houses of parliament, said he was suspending Russia's obligations under the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty, in response to the US missile shield plans. He said the NATO signatories to the treaty were not respecting it, and criticized US plans to locate elements of the anti-missile defense shield in Eastern Europe, saying they create "real dangers and possibly unpleasant surprises." The US claims that the planned missile shield is intended to protect the US and its European allies from a ballistic missile attack from a so-called "rogue" state such as Iran.

READ MORE -

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,479621,00.html

http://www.thegully.com/essays/america/img_usa/rice+bush.jpg

[december]

Putin offers alternative missile defense plan

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) -- Vladimir Putin, fiercely opposed to U.S. plans for missile defense in Europe, tried out new Russian alternatives on President Bush on Monday. Bush called the ideas "innovative" but said the U.S. still wants to anchor the defense in Poland and the Czech Republic.

The two leaders, meeting at the oceanfront compound of Bush's father, sought to restart U.S.-Russian relations after months of acrimony.

"Do I trust him? Yes, I trust him," Bush said about Putin, who stood alongside him on the lawn of the estate that overlooks the rocky Atlantic coast. "Do I like everything he says? No. And I suspect he doesn't like everything I say. But we're able to say it in a way that shows mutual respect."

On Putin's missile defense ideas, Bush said: "I think it's very sincere. I think it's innovative. I think it's strategic. But as I told Vladimir, I think that the Czech Republic and Poland need to be an integral part of a system."

Last month, Putin surprised Bush in Germany by proposing a Soviet-era early warning radar in Azerbaijan as a substitute for the radar and interceptors the United States wants to place in Poland and the Czech Republic. Washington has been clear it doubts the Azerbaijan facility is up to becoming a substitute.

The Russian leader fleshed out his suggestion on Monday.

Putin proposed possibly modernizing the Azerbaijan station. He suggested bringing more European nations into the decision-making process about how the shield is structured, and maybe incorporating a radar system in southern Russia. He suggested information-exchange centers in Moscow and possibly Brussels as a way to strengthen the Washington-Moscow national security relationship.

"The relationship of our two countries would be raised to an entirely new level," Putin said.

READ MORE -

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/02/bush.putin.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

[december]

Russia set to test first serial S-400 SAM system next week

05/ 07/ 2007


MOSCOW, July 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will conduct the first tests of its new S-400 Triumf air defense complex next week prior to its commissioning with the Air Force, an AF air defense chief said Thursday.

"The first serial [S-400] complex will be tested next week," Lieutenant General Alexander Gorkov said. "It has been transported to a testing ground together with crews."

The S-400 (NATO codename SA-21 Growler) is a new air defense missile system developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family.

It has been designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), or twice the range of the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot, and 2.5 times that of the S-300PMU-2.

"The first S-400 system, which will be put on combat duty near Moscow shortly after the test, will feature missiles with enhanced technical characteristics to sharply increase the combat capabilities of air defense around the Russian capital," Gorkov said.

The general said Russia planned to deploy new air defense systems primarily around all strategically important administrative and political centers in two stages by 2015.

During the second stage, which starts in 2010, Russia will add modernized versions of the S-400 with enhanced characteristics in comparison to the current model, he said.

In April, Colonel General Yury Solovyov, commander of the Air Defense Forces Special Command (former Moscow Military District Air Defense Command), said the Triumf could be used for limited purposes in missile and space defense, but that it is not designed to destroy intercontinental ballistic missiles.

However, he said the system is highly capable of destroying stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles with an effective range of up to 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) and a speed of up to 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) per second.

The Russian Air Defense Forces, which are part of the Air Force, currently deploy more than 30 regiments equipped with S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) missile complexes, which will be gradually replaced with S-400 systems.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070705/68405566.html



The S-400 Triumf (Russian: C-400 «Триумф»; English: triumph) is a new generation of anti-aircraft/anti-missile weapon system developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family. Its NATO reporting name is SA-21 Growler. The S-400 was previously known as S-300PMU-3. It overshadows the capabilities of the other systems from the S-300 series, and its range is 2 times greater than that of the MIM-104 Patriot system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-400_Triumf


http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/airdef/ru_s400.jpg


http://www.enemyforces.com/missiles/s400_3.jpg

[december]

Global missile defense system could be created by 2020 - Ivanov


08/ 07/ 2007


PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY (Far East), July 8 (RIA Novosti) - A global missile defense system proposed by Russia could be created by 2020, a Russian first deputy prime minister said Sunday.

"We are proposing to create a single missile defense system for all participants with equal access to the system's control," Sergei Ivanov said in a televised interview with the Vesti Nedeli program on Rossiya television channel.

Ivanov said the proposal applied both to the United States and European countries, including neutral states like Austria, Finland and Sweden.

According to Ivanov, the proposal involved efforts to create missile defense data exchange centers in Moscow and Brussels where the headquarters of NATO and the European Union are located.

Ivanov also mentioned the recent initiative by President Vladimir Putin that Russia and the United States could use the early warning facility in Gabala in Azerbaijan, if the U.S. gave up its plans to deploy elements of its European missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic.

"In addition, Russia is ready in the future to offer its new radar being built in the Krasnodar Territory [in southern Russia] for a joint data system," Ivanov said.

U.S. plans to place elements of its missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic have become one of the main issues of contention in relations between Russia and the United States, bringing them recently to their lowest point since the Cold War.

In an initial response to the U.S. move, Moscow threatened to point Russian warheads at Europe and pull out of a conventional arms reduction treaty, the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE), but seemingly softened its stance when Putin proposed at a Group of Eight leading industrialized nations summit in Germany to jointly use the Gabala radar in the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan.

The Gabala radar, located near the town of Minchegaur, 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the capital Baku, was leased to Russia for 10 years in 2002.

The radar has been operational since early 1985. With a range of 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles), it is the most powerful in the region and can detect any missile launches in Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa.

During his informal talks with George W. Bush Monday, the Russian president proposed that the United States jointly use a radar being built in southern Russia, in addition to the missile early warning facility in Gabala.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070708/68565653.html

[december]

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN

Wrangling About the Missile Shield

The debate over an anti-missile system to protect America and Europe against possible nuclear attack has not only moved forward with remarkable speed at NATO -- it's become a stage for post-Cold-War posturing by Russia and the United States.

READ MORE -

http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,478508,00.html

[lumukanda]

it must be tough talking to yourself sometimes my belarusian friend.

[december]

it must be tough talking to yourself sometimes my belarusian friend.

I am sorry, but where was I talking to myself?

You cannot find this information in the Western (Illuminati) media, so I have to update this thread, Lumukanda. Do you have problem with that?


http://img.rian.ru/images/6621/10/66211088.jpg

Russia freezes CFE-related data provision, yet open to dialogue


14/ 07/ 2007

MOSCOW, July 14 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will freeze data provision and inspections as part of the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty, but will be open to further dialogue, the country's Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

The statement followed a moratorium on honoring the CFE treaty decreed Saturday by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia will consider the international agreements frozen 150 days after all participants in the CFE treaty have received notices from the country.

"Upon President Putin's instructions the Russian Foreign Ministry will circulate relevant notices July 14, 2007," the body said in a statement.

Among other things, Russia will not comply with any conventional arms limits, the Foreign Ministry said, however, the amount of Russian weapons will depend on the situation in the military and political spheres.

Ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a deputy speaker of the lower house of Russia's parliament, proposed Saturday that the State Duma hold an emergency session to adopt a draft law on freezing the CFE treaty.

Russia considers the 1990 CFE treaty outdated since it does not reflect either the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact or the breakup of the Soviet Union. Unlike NATO, the country also signed an upgraded CFE treaty in 1999.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070714/68955958.html

[december]

Russian radar offer to be discussed in U.S. July 30-31

24/ 07/ 2007


ZAVIDOVO (northwest Russia), July 24 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian delegation will visit Washington July 30-31 to discuss the Russian president's proposals for the United States on missile defense cooperation in Europe, the foreign minister said Tuesday.

"In line with the Kennebunkport agreements, we have coordinated a timetable to analyze the missile proliferation threat, and talks will take place in Washington July 30-31 as part of the first phase in joint efforts," Sergei Lavrov said.

At informal talks at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport early July, Vladimir Putin proposed to George W. Bush setting up a missile defense data exchange center in Moscow and Brussels, and suggested joint use of a radar being built in southern Russia, in addition to the early warning facility in Gabala in ex-Soviet Azerbaijan.

The proposals came following the U.S. announced plans to place elements of its missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. They became one of the main points of contention in bilateral relations, bringing them to their lowest point since the Cold War, with Russia initially threatening to point its warheads at Europe.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070724/69580500.html

[december]

Moscow expects formal reply from U.S. to missile shield alternative

02/ 08/ 2007

MANILA, August 2 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's foreign minister said Thursday that Moscow expected a written response from the United States to its counterproposal on Washington's plans for a missile shield in Central Europe.

"The U.S. side will provide a written response," Sergei Lavrov told journalists after a regional security forum in Manila.

He said that at talks in the Philippine capital, some participants suggested that the flexible approach being used to resolve the nuclear dispute with North Korea could prove useful in dealing with Iran. "Many of them said the flexibility demonstrated by members of the six-party talks [on North Korea] could be used as an example in addressing the Iranian nuclear problem," he said.

He said the cautious optimism currently felt by many parties would strengthen as Iran continues to honor its pledge to cooperate with the IAEA.

Lavrov also said that Russia and Australia are drafting several bilateral agreements for President Vladimir Putin's visit, scheduled for September, but did not provide any details.

The minister said Wednesday the United States failed to produce convincing evidence of a need to deploy its missile defense system in Central Europe at the first round of negotiations in Washington, adding the sides had agreed to prepare thoroughly for the second round of talks due in Moscow in early September.

The Russian delegation at the talks on missile defense held in Washington July 30-31 was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak. At the negotiations, military and political officials from the two countries discussed prospects for cooperation on the issue, and the U.S. invited Russian specialists to view U.S. missile interceptors at a base in Alaska.

Russian representatives reiterated Moscow's position that the U.S. has no reason to build a missile defense system in Europe until there is conclusive evidence showing that Iran has the capability to launch long-range nuclear-armed missiles.

The U.S. has said it wants to place a radar and a host of interceptor missiles in Poland and the Czech Republic to fend off what Washington sees as an impending missile threat from Iran and North Korea. But Russia regards the plan as a threat to its national security.

President Vladimir Putin, during his two-day meeting with President George W. Bush at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, last month, proposed incorporating a new radar, currently being built in southern Russia, into a missile defense system managed by the NATO-Russia Joint Permanent Council, of which Moscow and Washington are members.

Russia also said it is ready to upgrade its early warning radar in Gabala, Azerbaijan, which was also proposed as an alternative to U.S. missile plans, but Washington has repeatedly called it obsolete.

Russia's future radar base is located near the town of Armavir, in the Krasnodar Territory - about 700 kilometer (450 miles) northwest of the Iranian border, and just 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Sochi, which recently won the bid to host the 2014 Winter Olypmics.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070802/70176175.html

[december]

Second Topol-M ICBM battalion to go on combat duty by year-end

20:29 | 22/ 08/ 2007


TEIKOVO (Ivanovo Region), August 22 (RIA Novosti) - A second missile battalion, equipped with advanced Topol-M (SS-27) road-mobile ICBMs, will be put on combat duty before the end of the year, Russia's Strategic Missile Forces command said Wednesday.

SMF commander Col. Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov said earlier the deployment of silo-based Topol-M systems in the Saratov Region and road-mobile systems in the Ivanovo Region (central Russia) would be completed in 2010.

As of December 2006, the Strategic Missile Forces operated 44 silo-based and three mobile missile systems.

The commander said the Topol-M system will be equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRV) in the next two or three years, adding the new system would help penetrate missile defenses more effectively.

His statement came against the backdrop of growing tensions between Moscow and the West regarding plans by the United States to deploy elements of its global antiballistic missile defense system in Central Europe.

Gen. Solovtsov said the Strategic Missile Forces would factor in the new threats.

"If the U.S. proceeds with missile defense plans, despite serious opposition from people in Europe, the Strategic Missile Forces will manage to take adequate measures to counter threats to Russia," he said.

But a top Russian military official said Russia's mid-term military development program would not be reviewed, despite U.S. missile plans.

"The Armed Forces development plan through 2010 was approved by the Russian president. It is being implemented and will not be amended," said Gen. Yury Baluyevsky, chief of the General Staff of Russia's Armed Forces.

He said the plan could only be revised if drastic changes occur globally.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070822/73573776.html

http://img.rian.ru/images/5696/26/56962607.jpg

[edelweiss pirate]

You just make me think Russians are crazy December.

Any more Russians out there...?

Pleeeease Mother Russia, don't let this war mongering paranoiac cold war refugee be your sole voice....

[december]

You just make me think Russians are crazy December.

Any more Russians out there...?

Pleeeease Mother Russia, don't let this war mongering paranoiac cold war refugee be your sole voice....

Edelweiss pirate, are you OK? :D
Did you read the thread or not really?

If you go to the first page then you'll find this quote:


WASHINGTON, May 21 (RIA Novosti) - U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday the Pentagon's plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe were not directed against Russia.

The U.S. announced plans in January to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a missile defense radar in the Czech Republic as part of its missile shield aimed at countering possible threats from "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea.

Speaking with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, Bush reiterated that the defense shield in Europe is not directed against Russia, but against countries which could affect stability and peace in Europe, and said he would continue to reach out to Russia to explain Washington's motives.

Moscow has repeatedly condemned the plan, claiming that it could be a "destabilizing factor" and could threaten Russia's national security, and warned that "appropriate measures" would be taken in response.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070521/65836536.html




Iran Says U.S. Case for Europe Anti-Missile Shield Is a `Joke'

By Ed Johnson

June 4 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. case for a missile defense shield to protect Europe from Iran is the ``joke of the year'' because Iranian weapons cannot reach the continent, said Ali Larijani, the country's chief nuclear negotiator.

Iran has no intention of attacking its most important commercial partner, the official Islamic Republic News Agency cited Larijani as saying yesterday.
``Iranian missiles do not reach Europe'' and it's hard to believe U.S. authorities don't know that, Larijani said, according to the report.

The U.S. plans to base interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic as part of a system it says is necessary to defend against long-range missile attacks from countries such as Iran. Russia opposes the planned shield, saying it will threaten Russian security.
The issue has strained U.S.-Russian relations and last week the government in Moscow said it successfully tested a weapon it claimed was immune to all defense shields.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week the planned shield risked turning Europe into a ``powder keg.'' He dismissed American concerns that Iran could threaten the U.S. and Europe. Iranian missiles now have a maximum range of 1,100 miles (1,700 kilometers) and by 2012 they may have missiles with a range of 1,500 miles, too short to justify a missile shield, Putin said.

The U.S. and Iran severed diplomatic ties in 1979 after the taking of hostages at the U.S. embassy in the Iranian capital, Tehran. The U.S. is leading international efforts to increase sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. The Bush administration is also demanding Iran stop arming Shiite militias in neighboring Iraq.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aH9_iTEfmfPU&refer=germany

[december]

Warsaw to host talks on U.S. missile shield Sep. 6-7

http://img.rian.ru/images/7341/85/73418519.jpg

04/ 09/ 2007

WARSAW, September 4 (RIA Novosti) - Another round of talks on the deployment of U.S. missile defense elements in Poland will start September 6 in Warsaw, a spokesman for the Polish Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The U.S. has plans to deploy interceptor missiles in north Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic to fend off what Washington sees as an impending missile threat from "rogue states," such as Iran and North Korea. Russia has consistently rejected this reasoning, and views the plans as a threat to its own national security.

"Another round of talks with the Americans will be held on Thursday and Friday," Robert Szaniawski said. The meeting "will be especially important, as it will concern the conditions under which the agreement could be signed, and details of mutual obligations."

The spokesman also said that Warsaw wants to conclude the deal with the United States before the end of the year, while Polish negotiators in the talks are aiming to conclude a long-term agreement, which would guarantee Poland security as well as political and technical cooperation with the U.S.

If the talks between Warsaw and Washington are successful, the U.S. is planning to place 10 missile interceptors in Poland by 2013, with the first missile complex going on combat duty as early as in 2011.

The Polish opposition, which vehemently opposes the U.S. missile defense plans, has been putting increasing pressure on Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, whose government has lost its parliamentary majority. The U.S. plans must receive the Polish legislature's backing before moving forward. Along with Czechs, most Poles are against deploying missile shield elements in their country.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070904/76579677.html

[december]

Talks on Gabala radar at expert level could be held Sept. 18

10/ 09/ 2007

BAKU, September 10 (RIA Novosti) - Azerbaijani, U.S. and Russian experts could meet September 18 to discuss the possible joint use of the Gabala radar Russia leases from Azerbaijan, the Russian ambassador in Azerbaijan said Monday.

"Experts from the General Staff, the Space Forces Staff and the Foreign Ministry will take part in the consultations from Russia. The delegation will comprise seven or eight people," Vasily Istratov told journalists.

The United States said in January it was planning to locate components of its global antimissile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland to prevent possible strikes from "rogue states," such as Iran and North Korea.

But Russia, already unnerved by NATO expansion to former Warsaw Pact member states, has condemned the plans as a threat to national security and a destabilizing factor for Europe. Moscow warned that its response would be adequate and highly effective.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070910/77804717.html



Russia to reply adequately to U.S. missile shield in Europe - FM

05/ 06/ 2007

http://archive.gulfnews.com/images/06/10/26/27_wo_russia_lavrov_4.jpg

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

SEOUL, June 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russian military will make decisions necessary for the country's national defense, in response to U.S. plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe, the Russian foreign minister said Tuesday.

Russia has responded angrily to U.S. plans, announced in January, to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic to counter possible missiles attacks from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea.

"Everything that we have done and will do is based on our responsibility and the responsibility of the Russian government to do everything possible to avoid new threats that Russia may be subjected to," Sergei Lavrov said. "That is why military planners have the right to make decisions, which are necessary to defend the country."

"If part of the U.S.' strategic nuclear arsenal is located in Europe and our military experts find that it poses a threat to Russia, we will have to take appropriate retaliatory steps," he said "We will have new targets in Europe."

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070605/66682646.html

[december]

Experts to visit Gabala radar station next week

12/ 09/ 2007


BAKU, September 12 (RIA Novosti) - Azerbaijani-Russian-U.S. consultations on the joint use of the Gabala radar station that Russia leases from Azerbaijan will be held within a week, a spokesman for Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

"The meeting has been put off several times, for technical reasons, but it will take place soon, possibly next week," Khazar Ibragim said.

He said Russian, U.S. and Azerbaijani delegations will include both technical experts and diplomatic officials, adding that the Azerbaijani team will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov.

Asked about Iran's possible reaction to the tripartite meeting, he said: "We would like any regional initiative, especially if it applies to Azerbaijan, to contribute to regional peace and security."

The Russian ambassador to Baku said Monday Azerbaijani, U.S. and Russian experts could meet September 18.

"Experts from the General Staff, the Space Forces and the Foreign Ministry will take part in the consultations from Russia. The delegation will comprise seven or eight people," Vasily Istratov told reporters.

The United States said in January it was planning to deploy components of its global antimissile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland to avert possible strikes from "rogue states," such as Iran and North Korea.

But Russia, already unnerved by NATO expansion to former Warsaw Pact member states, has condemned the plans as a threat to national security and a destabilizing factor for Europe. Moscow warned that its response would be commensurate and effective.

At the G8 summit in June, President Vladimir Putin offered the U.S. the use of the Gabala radar station as a compromise solution in the ongoing dispute. The radar, located near the town of Minchegaur, 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the capital Baku, was leased to Russia for 10 years in 2002.

The radar station has been operational since early 1985. With a range of 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles), it is the most powerful in the region and can detect any missile launches in Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070912/78388687.html

[december]

Russian, U.S. officials to discuss Gabala radar in October

13/ 09/ 2007

BAKU, September 13 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian and U.S. defense and foreign ministers will discuss the joint use of the Gabala radar Russia leases from Azerbaijan in October, the Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan said Thursday.

"Experts will report their conclusions at a '2+2' meeting that is tentatively set for October," Vasily Istratov told a briefing in Baku.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday Azerbaijani-Russian-U.S. consultations on the joint use of Gabala will be held September 18, adding that Russian, U.S. and Azerbaijani delegations will include both technical experts and diplomatic officials, and that the Azerbaijani team will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov.

Istratov said experts from the General Staff, the Space Forces and the Foreign Ministry will take part in the consultations from Russia.

The United States said in January it was planning to deploy components of its global antimissile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland to avert possible strikes from "rogue states," such as Iran and North Korea.

But Russia, already unnerved by NATO expansion to former Warsaw Pact member states, has condemned the plans as a threat to national security and a destabilizing factor for Europe. Moscow warned that its response would be commensurate and effective.

At the G8 summit in June, President Vladimir Putin offered the U.S. the use of the Gabala radar station as a compromise solution in the ongoing dispute. The radar, located near the town of Minchegaur, 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the capital Baku, was leased to Russia for 10 years in 2002.

The radar station has been operational since early 1985. With a range of 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles), it is the most powerful in the region and can detect any missile launches in Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070913/78556276.html

[december]

Russian, U.S. experts to consider joint use of Gabala radar Tuesday
15/ 09/ 2007

http://img.rian.ru/images/7676/22/76762220.jpg


MOSCOW, September 15 (RIA Novosti) - Russian and U.S. experts accompanied by Azerbaijani officials will visit Tuesday the Gabala radar in Azerbaijan to consider the use of the radar for monitoring, a senior Russian military official said Saturday.

"Following three months of work, meetings and briefings where various proposals were considered, we will proceed to action on September 18," said Major-General Alexander Yakushin, first deputy chief of the Russian Space Troops.

He said the major goal of the visit to the Gabala radar Russia leases from Azerbaijan would be to demonstrate to U.S. officials that the radar could be used jointly for detecting possible Iranian missile launches.

"We could show that the radar could be used for monitoring exactly in the southern direction," the Russian Space Troops official said.

The United States said in January it was planning to deploy components of its global antimissile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland to avert possible strikes from "rogue states," such as Iran and North Korea.

But Russia, already unnerved by NATO expansion to former Warsaw Pact member states, has condemned the plans as a threat to national security and a destabilizing factor for Europe. Moscow warned that its response would be commensurate and effective.

READ MORE -

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070915/78850286.html

[december]

Russia still worried by U.S. missile defense plan - chief of staff
19/ 09/ 2007

http://img.rian.ru/images/6503/17/65031742.jpg

PSKOV, September 19 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow views the U.S. missile defense program in Central Europe as anti-Russian, but has sufficient capability to counter it, a top military official said Wednesday.

The United States said in January it was planning to deploy components of its global missile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland to avert possible strikes from "rogue states," such as Iran and North Korea.

"The missile defense system that is being deployed in Europe is clearly aimed against Russia. I am ready to prove that with facts and figures," said Army Gen. Yury Baluyevsky, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

"If we accept American logic, Iran will produce missiles within the next five or seven years, but what will the radar stations be doing there in the meantime? What will their functions be? The answer is obvious: [the U.S.] is only interested in Russia's capability," he said.

Gen. Baluyevsky said the Russian military has everything that is required to ensure national security, adding that the Armed Forces will be downsized, becoming leaner but meaner.

Russia, already unnerved by NATO expansion to former Warsaw Pact member states, has condemned the U.S. plans as a threat to national security and a destabilizing factor for Europe. Moscow warned that its response would be commensurate and effective.

Gen. Baluyevsky said previously the decision to go ahead with the deployment of U.S. missile defense elements in the Czech Republic and Poland is a big mistake, in particular urging Prague to delay the decision until after presidential elections in the United States, set for November 2008.

He said Washington might review Iran's missile threat, which was one of the reasons for its decision to deploy missile defense elements in Europe.

"We believe that, based on realistic assessments of threats from the south, additional measures may be implemented on the deployment of additional missile defense elements in Europe, and we will stand firm on this position," he said.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070919/79621007.html



NATO Is Getting Closer To Russia's Borders
READ MORE -
http://davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5851

[december]

Russia loses Gabala opening

21/ 09/ 2007

MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Pyotr Goncharov) - There is a chance of joint American-Russian use of the Gabala radar, Jonathan Henick, public relations officer at the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, told Interfax. He said Washington was currently analyzing information about the radar.

Russian, U.S. and Azerbaijani experts visited the Gabala radar on September 19 in response to a proposal from Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, to drop U.S. plans for new missile-defense construction in Central Europe, and to use instead the Russian radar against a possible Iranian threat.

However, it appears that Washington is considering the issue from an angle entirely unsuitable to Russia. The visit to Gabala provided the United States with arguments allowing it to question the possible use of the radar as an alternative to the planned U.S. anti-ballistic missile (ABM) facility in the Czech Republic.

The same argument will be most likely used with regard to the cutting-edge radar being built in Armavir in southern Russia.

Russian radars are not designed to fulfill the tasks set to the missile-tracking radar which is to be deployed in the Czech Republic.

The best solution in this situation would be to link the Russian radar system in Azerbaijan into the proposed U.S. one in Central Europe, running them in tandem, Lieutenant General Henry Obering, director of the Missile Defense Agency, said in a speech Tuesday at the European Institute, a public-policy organization focused on trans-Atlantic affairs.

"I believe we are going to reach agreement with Poland and the Czech Republic," he said, pressing on the Kremlin's sore spot.

"We have seen a dramatic increase in interest in missile defense around the globe," driven by the development of increasingly longer-range missiles by North Korea and Iran, he told an audience of European attaches.

This does not suit Moscow at all. The Gabala radar cannot be "a supplement" to the U.S. ballistic defense system in Europe, said Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak.

Chief of Staff Yury Baluyevsky, who had initially proposed using the Gabala radar jointly with the United States, said he had expected this reaction from Washington.

He is right, again. Obering has not said anything new, and his idea of using the radar as part of the American system in Europe was to be expected.

READ MORE -

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070921/80313166.html

Putin Warns - Russia Must Respond To Bush Nuclear Provocation On Its Borders
http://rense.com/general76/putind.htm


Putin says missile tests were response to NATO's actions
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070531/66418953.html


NATO Is Getting Closer To Russia's Borders
READ MORE -
http://davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5851

[december]

Russia hopes NATO states will join missile defense plans

21:45 | 24/ 09/ 2007


NEW YORK, September 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russia hopes NATO member states will take part in Russia's initiative to set up a non-strategic missile defense system for Europe, the country's foreign minister said.

The initiative proposes "forming a multilateral pool of interested states, primarily European ones, and we want NATO member states to understand this, and commit themselves," Sergei Lavrov told journalists after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

The Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union, which was in force from 1972 to 2002, banned the building of large-scale missile defense systems in the Soviet Union (and subsequently Russia), and in the U.S.

In December 2001, the U.S. announced its decision to quit the ABM treaty, a move Russia called a mistake.

READ MORE -

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070924/80702405.html


NATO Is Getting Closer To Russia's Borders
READ MORE -
http://davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5851

[december]

Gabala radar.
U.S. military officials pay a visit to a Russian radar station, touted as an alternative to an American one in Europe.

Video

http://en.rian.ru/video/20070919/79450632.html


NATO Is Getting Closer To Russia's Borders

READ MORE -

http://davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5851