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Russia Vows to Launch Arms Race in Space

General cautions US, China against new anti-missile systems

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 3, 2007 4:28 PM CDT

(Newser) – Today Russia promised an arms race with the US and China if they keep launching military hardware into orbit. "We need to have strong rules about space, to avoid its militarization," General Vladimir Popovkin said. Reuters reports that his barb was aimed at Washington for its "Star Wars" program and Beijing for recent anti-satellite missile tests.

But Russia is also ramping up space ops, once among the Soviets' high-tech marvels. Now they have 60 satellites, some military, for intelligence and communications. And Popovkin promises a new generation of satellites to launch in 2009. "Already, Russia can detect any ballistic missile being launched from earth towards Russia," he said.

President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to commander-in-chief of Russia's space forces Col. Gen. Vladimir Popovkin while touring a Voronezh-type missile warning radar station in the village of Lekhtusi... (Associated Press)

President Vladimir Putin, 2nd from right, and commander-in-chief of Russia's space forces Col.Gen.Vladimir Popovkin, 3rd from right, listens to general director of Concern Radio Engineering and Informational... (Associated Press)

From right, Russian first deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov and President Vladimir Putin smile as they look at a model of a space vehicle designed by teenagers in the children's art pavilion of the... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin watches aircraft taking part in the International Aviation and Space Show at the once-secret Zhukovsky military airfield on Moscow's outskirts, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007.... (Associated Press)

President Vladimir Putin watches aircraft taking part in the International Aviation and Space Show at the once-secret Zhukovsky military airfield on Moscow's outskirts, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007. The largest... (Associated Press)

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Russia Vows to Launch Arms Race in Space

General cautions US, China against new anti-missile systems

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General cautions US, China against new anti-missile systems

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related links

missile defense system • Russian military • space race

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Bush, Putin to Lock Antlers on Missile Defense

Russian president will host US counterpart for April 6 summit

Russia Threatens to Aim Missiles at NATO Shield

Medvedev also says he'll back out of the START treaty

Soviets Lied About Flawed '61 Space Flight

Yuri Gagarin's flight did not go perfectly, new book claims

Putin: We'll Use 'Strike Forces' Against Missile Shield

Russian PM even warns of 'new nuclear technologies'

Medvedev: 'New Arms Race' Looms

Russian leader says new missile deal essential

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Newser By Users

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