May 27, 2005 :: Analysis
Itar-Tass reports that the Russian Space Troops plan to test a new early-warning radar station near St. Petersburg in 2005. The news agency quotes Col-Gen. Vladimir Popovkin, commander-in-chief of the Space Troops, as stating that “[Russia’s] space reconnaissance facilities are nearly at the end of their useful life and that is why over the next few years we will be replacing them …” The new-generation EWR is described as smaller, lighter, and requiring minimal on-site preparation. Popovkin adds that the new radar will allow the Space Troops to cover “all likely avenues of missile approach.”
Pavel Podvig analyzes the announcement of Russia’s new-generation early-warning radar, at RussianForces.org. Podvig notes that the new radar’s smaller size, minimal on-site preparation, and lower cost seem “very attractive,” but he remains skeptical of the system’s overall effectiveness. He points out that EWRs typically require “a lot of power and a big antenna,” and questions whether smaller new-generation EWRs can match the power and range of older and larger systems like the Russia’s Daryal and Dnepr radars. (Article)
» Podvig on new Russian radar
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