A former top Russian general has said Moscow's missile-defense technology is obsolete and incapable of effectively defending the capital from ballistic attacks, Interfax reported yesterday (see GSN, May 11).
"This system is physically already so old that it is doubtful that it would fulfill tasks as they were set," said retired Gen. Anatoliy Kornukov, former head of the Russian air force.
Kornukov said the aging system is a liability, particularly with a number of countries, such as Iran, investing in more sophisticated missile technology.
"Many countries possess operational strategic missiles, not to mention operational missiles," he said. "Even as these missiles have the range of 2,000, 2,500, and up to 3,000 kilometers -- they will reach the targets they need to reach. But how to fight them? So far there is nothing to fight them with" (Interfax I, June 9).
A U.S. official last week said Washington might be willing to cooperate with Moscow on a new missile defense system to protect against attacks from Iran and other countries, Interfax reported.
The official said he such as system might encompass Russian-based radars or sharing by the two nations of early warning data on fired missiles.
Moscow and Washington have been at odds over a proposed U.S. missile shield in Europe (Interfax II, June 16)