August 2010 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia must modernize military-industrial complex RIA Novosti 31 Aug 2010 -- Russian president Medvedev: Country's military-industrial complex must be modernized to retain its competitive status.
Russia to send over 1,000 troops to anti-terror drills in Kazakhstan RIA Novosti 31 Aug 2010 -- More than 1,000 Russian troops will take part in a series of anti-terror drills in Kazakhstan on September 9-25.
Police break up protest rallies in Moscow, St. Petersburg RIA Novosti 31 Aug 2010 -- Police detained almost 200 protestors at unsanctioned opposition rallies in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Strasbourg court to consider Russian opposition claim against Moscow govt RIA Novosti 31 Aug 2010 -- The European Court of Human Rights has begun looking into a claim made by three Russian activists.
EU human rights committee to monitor Moscow protest RIA Novosti 31 Aug 2010 -- Delegation arrived in Moscow to monitor an opposition demonstration.
Police Arrest Dozens As Opposition Activists Rally Throughout Russia RFE/RL 31 Aug 2010 -- Russian opposition and human rights activists have held regular, unauthorized protests.
New opposition rally 'provocation' - Moscow authorities RIA Novosti 31 Aug 2010 -- Joint statement by the mayor's office and city government: An opposition plan to hold a rally in the centre of Moscow is a provocation.
Putin slams West for deceiving Russia RIA Novosti 30 Aug 2010 -- Russian PM Putin has accused western countries of using unfair political methods to obstruct the process of "resetting" relations.
Georgia Says Russia Deployed S-300 Missiles In South Ossetia RFE/RL 30 Aug 2010 -- Georgia has accused Russia of deploying S-300 missile-defense systems in a second breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia.
Azerbaijan to buy four Ka-32 helicopters from Russia RIA Novosti 30 Aug 2010 -- Russian Helicopters company will supply four Kamov Ka-32 helicopters to Azerbaijan in the near future.
Putin Defends Police Use Of Force Against Unregistered Protests RFE/RL 30 Aug 2010 -- Russian PM Putin has warned opposition protesters that police will use force to crack down on unapproved demonstrations.
Putin slams opposition rallies as provocation against government RIA Novosti 30 Aug 2010 -- Russian PM Putin has attacked opposition rallies as a "provocation" against the government.
Satellites detect 131 possible wildfire hotspots in Russia RIA Novosti 30 Aug 2010 -- The number of hotspots, visible in infrared light and possibly indicating wildfires, grew from 121 to 131.
Thai PM may say decisive word in Bout's case - paper RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2010 -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Wechachiwa and the cabinet of ministers have a right to take decisive decision over the case against alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the Bangkok-based Thai-language Daily News paper reported on late Saturday.
Twelve Suspected Rebels Reported Killed In Chechnya RFE/RL 29 Aug 2010 -- A dozen suspected militants and two law-enforcement agency employees have been killed in a shoot-out in Chechnya.
Kadyrov's native village attackers eliminated RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2010 -- Militants, who attempted to attack Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's native village of Tsentoroi, are eliminated.
Five civilians killed in attack on Kadyrov's home village RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2010 -- Five civilians were killed in time of attack which occurred early on Sunday when militants tried to attack Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's home village of Tsentoroi, a source from the Chechen force structures said.
19 Dead in Chechen Shootout VOA 29 Aug 2010 -- Russian authorities say 19 people have been killed in a shootout between Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov's bodyguards and suspected insurgents.
Commentary: Russia's 'Federation' Myth RFE/RL 28 Aug 2010 -- Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov announced recently that there should be only one "president" in Russia and therefore he was renouncing his own claim to that title. Other leaders of North Caucasus republics then announced their intention of following Kadyrov's example. North Ossetia, though, was ahead of the curve -- about two years ago, the forward-looking republic already turned its president into a "head of the republic."
Thai premier urges U.S., Russia to resolve Bout case RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2010 -- Washington and Moscow should resolve between themselves the case of suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the Thai prime minister said.
Putin stresses importance of new Far East space center RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2010 -- Prime Minister Vladimir Putin underlined on Saturday the significance of a planned new space center in Russia’s Far East.
All Russia’s manned space flights to use new facility by 2018 RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2010 -- All Russian manned space fights will be launched from the Vostochny Space Center in the country’s Far East from 2018, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said on Saturday.
Bout denies knowledge of Russian state, military secrets RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2010 -- Russian businessman Viktor Bout, awaiting extradition to the United States on arms trafficking charges, said on Friday he knows no Russian state or military secrets.
Russian diplomat's article on Bout case does not represent official position RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2010 -- An article on the Viktor Bout case published on Thursday by a Russian Foreign Ministry official in the English-language Moscow Times daily does not represent Russia's official position on the issue, the ministry said in a statement.
Washington says recently spoke with Moscow on Bout's extradition RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2010 -- Moscow recently spoke with Washington about alleged arms smuggler Viktor Bout, who is expected to be extradited from Thailand to the United States, the U.S. Department of State said.
Changes proposed to Russia's military procurement system - paper RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2010 -- The Russian Federal Service for Defense Contracts (Rosoboronzakaz) has proposed changes to the country's procurement system, a business daily said on Friday.
Indian-Russian Brahmos venture to produce missile engines in India RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2010 -- The Indian-Russian venture BrahMos Aerospace Ltd. plans to produce engines for Brahmos missiles in India, CEO Sivathanu Pillai said on Friday.
Blackseafor warships complete active stage of drills RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- Warships from the Black Sea Naval Group, the Blackseafor, on Thursday completed the active stage of three-week drills, the Russian Black Sea Fleet press service said.
Iran proposes formation of joint fuel consortium with Russia IRNA 26 Aug 2010 -- Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi announced the country’s proposal to Russia to establish a nuclear fuel consortium to supply fuel to Bushehr plant and the others to be set up in future.
Iran eyes nuclear fuel consortium with Russia RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- Iran has proposed to Russia establishing a nuclear consortium to supply fuel to the Bushehr plant and other nuclear power plants that will be set up in the future, Iran's nuclear chief said on Thursday.
Armenian Minister Downplays Anticipated Russian Missile Sale To Azerbaijan RFE/RL 25 Aug 2010 -- Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian says the rumored sale by Russia of sophisticated Russian antiaircraft missiles to Azerbaijan will not give Baku a "strategic advantage" in the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
Russia denies deployment of S-300 missiles in South Ossetia RIA Novosti 25 Aug 2010 -- There is no truth to the Georgian Foreign Minister's statement that Russia has deployed S-300 air defense systems in South Ossetia, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
BrahMos missile maker happy with Russian Glonass receivers RIA Novosti 25 Aug 2010 -- BrahMos Aerospace Ltd., a Russian-Indian joint venture manufacturing supersonic cruise missiles, is successfully using Russian-built Glonass receivers for aiming and target acquisition, CEO Sivathanu Pillai said on Wednesday.
US to Get Custody of Russian Arms Dealer VOA 24 Aug 2010 -- Reputed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is expected to be transferred from a Thai prison to the United States on Wednesday to stand trial on weapons-trafficking charges.
Thailand to extradite accused Russian arms dealer Bout to U.S. Wednesday RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2010 -- Russian businessman Viktor Bout, suspected by Washington of arms trafficking, will be extradited from Thailand to the United States on Wednesday, Thai English-language daily the Nation said on Tuesday.
The Wider Implications Of The Russian-Armenian Defense Deal RFE/RL 24 Aug 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian signed a protocol last week prolonging the two countries' 1995 bilateral defense treaty. While the protocol is deemed a mere prolongation of the existing treaty, there are important new features.
Largest airborne military exercises since Sov.Union begin in central Russia RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2010 -- The largest airborne military exercises since the collapse of the Soviet Union have kicked off in central Russia, an airborne troops spokesman said on Tuesday.
India still 'hopeful' about nuclear plant despite Russian calls for relocation - paper RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2010 -- India hopes Russia will go ahead with the construction of a nuclear power plant at Haripur in eastern India, despite Russia's concerns over ongoing local protests, the Times of India newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Russia no longer 'security threat' to Turkey RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2010 -- Turkey will strike four countries, including Russia, from its list of external security threats in a bid to revise the country's national security strategy, national media reported on Monday.
Russian warship visits Oman port RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2010 -- The flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the RFS Moskva guided-missile cruiser, has completed a business visit to Oman's port of Salalah, a fleet spokesman said on Monday.
Russian military mountaineers to train in Caucasus RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2010 -- A hundred Russian military mountaineers will gather at a training base in the North Caucasus Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria on Monday for mountain survival training.
Russia to hold competition to choose new Navy corvette - paper RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2010 -- The Russian Defense Ministry will hold a competition in September to select a new corvette for the Navy to replace the Project 20380 class, a business daily said on Monday, citing sources in the shipbuilding industry.
Russian Baltic Fleet commander to head Pacific Fleet - source RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2010 -- Commander of the Russian Baltic Fleet Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov is likely to be appointed the new commander of the Pacific Fleet, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
Over 4,000 paratroopers to take part in Central Russian exercises RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2010 -- Large-scale exercises involving more than 4,000 paratroopers will begin in two Central Russian regions on Monday, Airborne Troops spokesman Col. Alexander Cherednik said.
Russia asks India to move site for nuclear plant - paper RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2010 -- Russia has asked India to shift the site of a nuclear power plant at Haripur in eastern India, for which Russia has constructed two reactors, the Times of India paper reported on Monday.
Thai gov. to take final decision on extradition of Russian arms dealer Bout to U.S. RIA Novosti 21 Aug 2010 -- The Thai government will take the final decision on the extradition to the United States of suspected Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, Thai state news agency THA said on Saturday.
U.S. media surprised by suspected Russian arms dealer's extradition ruling RIA Novosti 21 Aug 2010 -- A Thai court ruling to extradite suspected Russian arms dealer to the U.S., which perplexed and disappointed Russian officials, was also met with surprise in the U.S.
U.S. "pleased" with Thai ruling to extradite alleged Russian arms dealer RIA Novosti 21 Aug 2010 -- The White House welcomes the decision of a Thai appeal court to extradite Russian national Viktor Bout, wanted in the United States on weapons smuggling and other charges.
Russia Says Suspected Mastermind Of Moscow Metro Attacks Dead RFE/RL 21 Aug 2010 -- Russia says security forces have killed in Daghestan a top militant suspected of organizing the suicide bombings on the Moscow Metro in March in which dozens of people were killed.
Thai Court Orders Extradition Of Alleged Russian Arms Dealer RFE/RL 20 Aug 2010 -- A court in Thailand has ruled that a Russian man reputed to be one of the world's most prolific arms dealers is to be extradited to the United States, more than two years after his arrest.
Bout's lawyer says alleged Russian arms dealer can win in U.S. court RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2010 -- Russian businessman Viktor Bout, due to be extradited from Thailand to the United States, may win the U.S. trial, one of his Thai lawyers said on Friday.
Russia to seek repatriation of alleged arms dealer Bout RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2010 -- Russia will seek the repatriation of Russian businessman Viktor Bout, due to be extradited from Thailand to the United States on arms trafficking charges, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.
Thai appeals court rules to extradite Russian arms dealer to U.S. RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2010 -- The Thai appeals court ruled on Friday to extradite Russian businessman Viktor Bout to the United States on arms smuggling and other charges.
U.S. brings new charges against Russian 'arms dealer' to Thai court RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2010 -- The United States has brought new charges against Russian 'arms dealer' Viktor Bout to the Thai criminal court just hours before the country's appeals court has to make its final decision on Bout's extradition to the United States.
Thai Court Approves Extradition of 'Merchant of Death' VOA 20 Aug 2010 -- An appeals court in Thailand has ruled that alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout should be extradited to the United States to face trial. Bout is accused of selling weapons that fueled conflicts and armed dictators across Africa and in the Middle East.
No decision made on Russian S-300 deliveries to Iran - defense minister RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2010 -- No decision has been taken yet on the delivery of S-300 air defense systems to Iran, Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Friday.
Deal Signed On Extending Russian Military Presence In Armenia RFE/RL 20 Aug 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Armenian counterpart, Serzh Sarkisian, have signed a deal extending Moscow's lease of a military base in the South Caucasus country by 24 years.
France unfazed by Russian tender, Mistral talks ongoing RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2010 -- Paris is continuing negotiations with Moscow on the purchase of a Mistral-class warship and is not concerned about Russia's decision to call a tender for the construction of two helicopter carriers, a spokeswoman for the French presidential administration said on Friday.
Russia extends lease on military base in Armenia through 2044 RIA Novosti 20 Aug 2010 -- Russia and Armenia on Friday signed amendments to a 1995 bilateral treaty extending Russia's use of a military base near Armenia's border with Turkey through 2044.
Tax Officials Invade Russia's Defense Ministry RFE/RL 19 Aug 2010 -- Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov's campaign to civilianize, bring financial accountability, and improve fiscal policy within the Defense Ministry culminated in the appointment, on August 6, of Tatyana Shevtsova as the ninth deputy defense minister (filling the final vacancy).
Russia, Armenia To Sign Extended Defense Pact RFE/RL 19 Aug 2010 -- Moscow and Yerevan are set to sign a new defense agreement that would keep Russian troops in Armenia nearly until the middle of this century.
Russian Navy helicopter carrier tender to be announced in September RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2010 -- A tender on the purchase of a helicopter carrier for the Russian Navy will be announced in September, Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) said on Thursday.
Russia's newest nuclear sub starts sea trials RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2010 -- Russia's newest Borey-class strategic nuclear-powered submarine, the Yury Dolgoruky, on Thursday started a series of sea trials in the White Sea, the Sevmash shipyard said.
Russia to hold tender for purchase of helicopter carrier - paper RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2010 -- The Russian Defense Ministry will hold a tender on the purchase of a helicopter carrier, alongside ongoing negotiations with France on buying a Mistral-class ship, a Russian business daily said on Thursday.
Medvedev instructs more work on controversial FSB powers amendment RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev instructed the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) on Thursday to make sure that the recently adopted amendments expanding FSB powers contain clear definitions.
India to order another 59 Russian Mi-17 helicopters RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2010 -- The Indian Air Force will soon order an additional 59 Russian Mil Mi-17 helicopters on top of the 80 ordered earlier, the IAF chief said on Thursday.
Pre-launch preparation of Russian Rokot carrier rocket near completion RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- The Plesetsk space center in northern Russia is about to complete pre-launch preparations of the Rokot carrier rocket, scheduled to blast off in early September, a defense ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.
Russian-Armenian Defense Pact 'Will Prevent New War In Karabakh' RFE/RL 18 Aug 2010 -- Armenia's ruling party says the deepening of Yerevan's military cooperation with Russia will strengthen the balance of forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and discourage any attempt to resolve it by force, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
Armenia Says Russia to Extend Military Presence Until 2044 VOA 18 Aug 2010 -- Armenia's foreign minister, Eduard Nalbandian, said Russia will extend its military presence in his country until the year 2044 under a new defense deal.
Medvedev suggests reviving Soviet-era projects in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev proposed on Wednesday breathing new life into bilateral economic projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan launched during the Soviet era.
Decision on Russian Mi-17 deliveries to Afghanistan to be made within 2 months - Russian FM RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- A decision will be made within two months on the possible delivery of 27 Russian Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Kremlin ready to publish Lukashenko's promise on Abkhazia, S.Ossetia RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- The Kremlin may publish the transcript from a CSTO summit in which Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he was ready to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a senior Russian presidential official confirmed on Wednesday.
Power of blast in south Russia equivalent to 40 kg of TNT RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- The power of the blast from a recent terrorist attack in southern Russia was equivalent to 40 kg of TNT, a local police source said.
Russia to extend military presence in Armenia by 24 years RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- Russia's military presence in Armenia will be extended by another 24 years, the Armenian foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Russia threatens retaliation to Romanian expulsion RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- In a move that could heighten tensions in the latest tit-for-tat spy flap, Russia said on Wednesday it could retaliate to the expulsion of its diplomat from Bucharest.
Romania names Russian diplomat in latest 'spy' scandal - media RIA Novosti 18 Aug 2010 -- Bucharest has declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata in yet another spy scandal after Moscow detained a Romanian official on similar grounds, a Romanian news agency reported on Wednesday.
Russia's Medvedev orders total mine clearance in Chechnya RIA Novosti 17 Aug 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the clearance of all mines in the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya.
Russia flexible on supply of Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan RIA Novosti 17 Aug 2010 -- Russia is interested in supplying Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan and is setting no constraints on a possible deal, a Kremlin aide said on Tuesday.
Regional security organization to start antiterrorism drills in south Russia RIA Novosti 16 Aug 2010 -- Law enforcement agencies and special services of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states will start antiterrorism drills in southern Russia's Saratov Region on Monday, the regional governor's press service reported.
Thai court to make final ruling Friday on Russian arms dealer's extradition to U.S. RIA Novosti 16 Aug 2010 -- An appeals court in Thailand will make its final ruling August 20 on the extradition of Russian businessman Viktor Bout to the United States on alleged charges of arms trafficking, Bout's lawyer said on Monday.
Blackseafor exercises strengthen security on the Black Sea RIA Novosti 16 Aug 2010 -- The Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group (Blackseafor) is holding regularly scheduled exercises on the Black Sea. Political analyst Viktor Nadein-Rayevsky, a senior fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations, shared his views on Blackseafor’s activities and the development of this collective security system on the Black Sea.
Russia's Moskva missile cruiser completes first visit to Sri Lanka RIA Novosti 16 Aug 2010 -- The flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, the RFS Moskva guided-missile cruiser, has left the port of Colombo, concluding its first official visit to Sri Lanka, a Navy spokesman said.
Russia's Bulava missile tests postponed due to wildfires RIA Novosti 16 Aug 2010 -- Russia has postponed the latest test launches of the ill-fated Bulava ballistic missile for at least two weeks due to raging wildfires in the central regions of the country, a Russian newspaper said Monday.
Romanian caught spying in Russia ordered to leave country RIA Novosti 16 Aug 2010 -- A senior Romanian diplomat who was detained in Moscow while trying to obtain military secrets from a Russian national has been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave the country within 48 hours, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday.
New Russian-Armenian Defense Pact 'Finalized' RFE/RL 15 Aug 2010 -- A diplomatic source told RFE/RL's Armenian Service that the Russian and Armenian governments have finalized a far-reaching agreement that will prolong and upgrade Russia's military presence in Armenia.
French warships for Russia to be armed with Ka-52 helicopters RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- Mistral-class helicopter carriers, which Russia plans to buy from France, will be armed with Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopters, Air Force Commander Colonel General Alexander Zelin told the Ekho Moskvy FM station on Saturday.
Russia to consider possibility of setting up JV in uranium with Mongolia RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- Russian government has introduced into the lower house of the Russian Parliament, the State Duma, an intergovernmental agreement with Mongolia on setting up joint uranium mining company with limited liability Dordon Uran.
Russian frontline, army aviation to be completely rearmed in 10 years RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- The Russian Air Force will entirely rearm its frontline aviation and army aviation within the next 10 years, Air Force Commander Colonel General Alexander Zelin told the Ekho Moskvy FM station on Saturday.
Russian 5G fighter to outstrip best analogs RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- Russian fifth-generation T-50 fighter, which is currently being developed by the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer, will outstrip best world analogs, Air Force Commander Colonel General Alexander Zelin said on Saturday.
Russia's Moskva missile cruiser calls in at Sri Lanka for visit RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- The flagship of the Black Sea fleet, the RFS Moskva guided-missile cruiser, called in at the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka for an official visit, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry said.
Moscow, Central Economic region Air Defense to receive S-400, S-500 systems RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- The Air Defense System of Moscow and the Russian Central Economic region will receive new weapons, including prestigious S-400 and S-500 air defense systems, Air Force Commander Colonel General Alexander Zelin said on Saturday.
Kremlin regrets Lukashenko's "dishonesty, inconsistency" RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- The Kremlin regrets Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's inconsistent policy towards recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Belarus may refuse NPP construction deal with Russia - Lukashenko RIA Novosti 14 Aug 2010 -- Belarus may refuse its deal with Russia's nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly Atomstroyexport on a construction of a nuclear power plant in the ex-Soviet republic, the Belarus president said.
Russian air force completing MiG-31BM modernization program RIA Novosti 13 Aug 2010 -- The Russian air force is completing a modification program for its MiG-31 interceptor aircraft to the MiG-31BM standard, the force's commander Col.Gen. Alexander Zelin said on Friday.
Russia justifies deploying S-300 missile systems in Abkhazia RIA Novosti 13 Aug 2010 -- The deployment of S-300 air defense systems in Abkhazia is not a violation of Russia's international obligations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Russia to modernize fifth Indian submarine RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2010 -- A fifth Indian Kilo class diesel-electric submarine has arrived to Russia's Zvezdochka shipyard for an overhaul under a recent contract, the shipyard company said on Thursday.
Russia Marks 10th Anniversary Of 'Kursk' Disaster RFE/RL 12 Aug 2010 -- Russia is marking the 10-year anniversary of the "Kursk" nuclear submarine tragedy. The Russian Navy is flying its flags at half mast and naval officers and academies throughout Russia will observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the 118 sailors who died aboard the "Kursk."
Interview: 'If Putin Was Told Everything Was Under Control, He Was Deceived' RFE/RL 12 Aug 2010 -- Today Russia marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the "Kursk" nuclear submarine. One hundred eighteen crew members lost their lives, many of them after being trapped for days hundreds of meters below the surface of the Barents Sea. RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Viktor Rezunkov asked submarine Captain Igor Kurdin, chairman of the St. Petersburg Club of Submariners, how the catastrophe has affected the Russian Navy.
Russian admiral calls for deployment of torpedoes mothballed after Kursk disaster RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2010 -- A unique torpedo that was withdrawn from use after the Kursk submarine tragedy should be returned to the Russian Navy, a former North Fleet commander said on Thursday.
Kazan helicopter plant expects 33% increase in sales in 2010 RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2010 -- Russia's Kazan helicopter plant expects to increase sales by one-third to 20 billion rubles ($654 mln) year-on-year in 2010, the plant's general director said on Thursday.
Russia's Black Sea Fleet commemorates Kursk submarine tragedy RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2010 -- The personnel of the Black Sea Fleet gathered in downtown Sevastopol on Thursday to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Kursk nuclear submarine tragedy.
The Kursk tragedy: Causes, theories, aftermath RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2010 -- Ten years ago to the day, August 12, 2000, the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea, killing all 118 crewmembers on board.
Russian warship escorts new convoy off Somali coast RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2010 -- Russia's Admiral Levchenko destroyer is escorting a convoy of five commercial ships through pirate-infested waters off the Somali coast, the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
Pyotr Veliky cruiser, INS Trishul to hold exercises in Arabian Sea RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2010 -- Russia's Pyotr Veliky nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser and Indian Talwar class missile frigate INS Trishul will conduct a joint PASSEX-type naval exercise in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday.
Russia, NORAD complete joint air defense drills RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2010 -- The Russian Air Force and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) completed on Wednesday the active phase of joint anti-terrorism drills in the Far East.
Georgia decries Russian missile deployment in Abkhazia RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2010 -- The Georgian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday protested the deployment of Russian S-300 air-defense systems on the territory of its former republic of Abkhazia.
Abkhazia says Russian missile deployment 'under agreement' RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2010 -- The deployment of S-300 air defense systems in Abkhazia is in compliance with the current defense cooperation agreement with Russia, the foreign minister of the former Georgian republic said on Wednesday.
Russian S-300 systems in Abkhazia threaten regional balance of forces - Georgia RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2010 -- The deployment of S-300 air defense systems in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia threatens the balance of forces in the region, Georgia's State Minister for Reintegration Temur Yakobashvili said on Wednesday.
Russia deploys S-300 air defense systems in Abkhazia RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2010 -- Russia has deployed S-300 air defense systems in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, the commander of the Russian Air Force said on Wednesday.
NORAD, Russia Wrap up ?Vigilant Eagle’ AFPS 11 Aug 2010 -- The storyline seemed to come straight from a Cold War suspense thriller, as North American Aerospace Defense Command forces working with their Russian counterparts tracked a “hijacked” aircraft across the Pacific Ocean, but this was no movie.
Clinton Urges Early Senate Action on Arms Treaty With Russia VOA 11 Aug 2010 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Wednesday that a Senate delay in ratifying the new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia will "erode" U.S. national security. The treaty, finalized in April, has drawn heavy criticism from Republicans.
Russian General Says Kremlin Deploys Air-Defense Missiles In Abkhazia RFE/RL 11 Aug 2010 -- Russia says it has deployed S-300 air-defense missiles in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.
Russia Confirms Wildfires In Polluted, Radioactive Region RFE/RL 11 Aug 2010 -- Russian officials have confirmed for the first time the presence of wildfires in contaminated, radioactive areas, a day after Greenpeace accused the authorities of downplaying the blazes' radioactive danger.
US, Russia Still at Odds on Missile Defense VOA 10 Aug 2010 -- The question of missile defense is not addressed in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, signed by the United States and Russia.
Russia's missile forces chief to inspect Teikovo division RIA Novosti 10 Aug 2010 -- New commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces will inspect the rearmament of a missile division in central Russia.
Russia Defends Nuclear Sites From Wildfires RFE/RL 10 Aug 2010 -- Russian firefighters and emergency workers continued efforts today to prevent wildfires from engulfing key nuclear sites.
MiG-35 stalls in Indian fighter tender contract RIA Novosti 10 Aug 2010 -- Russia's MiG-35 multirole fighter aircraft has failed to make the short-list in a $10 billion international tender for 126 combat aircraft for the Indian air force.
'Vigilant Eagle' Tests NORAD, Russian Response AFPS 10 Aug 2010 -- Action from the FAA and the DoD and kick off exercise Vigilant Eagle, the first joint counter air-terrorism exercise between NORAD and the Russian air force.
Blackseafor warships to hold drills Aug. 11-30 RIA Novosti 10 Aug 2010 -- Warships from the Black Sea Naval Group, the Blackseafor, will conduct three-week drills starting on Wednesday.
US, Russia, Canada Cooperate On Drill RFE/RL 09 Aug 2010 -- US, Russian, and Canadian forces cooperating in a counterterrorism drill, with Russian and US planes practicing to intercept a hijacked plane.
NORAD, Russia to conduct first-ever joint air defense drills RIA Novosti 08 Aug 2010 -- North American Aerospace Defense Command and the Russian Air Force are beginning first-ever joint air defense exercise.
Russia has issues with U.S. over non-proliferation regime RIA Novosti 07 Aug 2010 -- Russia is dissatisfied with the US’s fulfillment of its obligations in the sphere of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Russia 'Dissatisfied' With US Weapons Actions VOA 07 Aug 2010 -- Russia says it is dissatisfied with the United States' fulfillment of its obligations according to their arms-reduction treaty.
Wildfire threatens Russian anti-missile alert center RIA Novosti 07 Aug 2010 -- Wildfire is threatening to engulf the military command of the Russian anti-missile alert center in the Moscow region.
Russian Espionage Targeting New NATO Members RFE/RL 07 Aug 2010 -- Last week, a Czech newspaper reported a Russian spy made contact with their offices in the biggest-yet breach of Czech military security.
Verification Provisions Important Part of New START Treaty VOA 06 Aug 2010 -- Verification provisions are a key element of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty signed by the U.S. and Russia.
Russian President appoints new deputy defense minister RIA Novosti 06 Aug 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has appointed Tatyana Shevtsova to the post of deputy defense minister.
Russia's 5G fighters to be better, cheaper than foreign analogs - Vice-Premier Ivanov RIA Novosti 06 Aug 2010 -- Russia's fifth-generation fighter must be better and cheaper than foreign 5G fighters.
Russia to assemble Italian armored vehicles for its military - paper RIA Novosti 06 Aug 2010 -- The Russian Defense Ministry to set up a joint assembly line with the Italian automaker Iveco.
Russian fighter jet crashes in Siberia, pilots eject safely RIA Novosti 06 Aug 2010 -- A Russian Su-25 Frogfoot fighter jet has crashed in Siberia some 60 kilometers from a military air base.
Russian nuclear-powered cruiser calls at Goa port RIA Novosti 06 Aug 2010 -- The Pyotr Veliky nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser called on Friday at the port of Mormugao in the Indian state of Goa.
U.S., Russia To Cooperate In Air-Defense Drill RFE/RL 06 Aug 2010 -- The United States and Russia are expected as early as today to start a joint air-defense exercise involving a simulated airplane hijacking.
Senate Committee Delays Action on New START Treaty VOA 05 Aug 2010 -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has delayed a vote on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty until after the August recess.
US remains optimistic about arms treaty ratification RIA Novosti 05 Aug 2010 -- US administration hopes that the new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia will be ratified by the end of this year.
Wildfire threatens military base in Russia's Moscow region RIA Novosti 05 Aug 2010 -- Wildfire is threatening to engulf the military command of the Alabinsk garrison in the Moscow region.
Medvedev Sacks Officers As Thick Smog Engulfs Moscow RFE/RL 05 Aug 2010 -- Russian President Medvedev has fired several high-ranking naval officers in connection with a wildfire that destroyed a naval base.
Russia, South Africa Sign Uranium Trade Deal VOA 05 Aug 2010 -- Russia has agreed to supply enriched uranium to South Africa's nuclear power plant until at least 2017.
Russia to provide South Africa access to surface sensing satellites RIA Novosti 05 Aug 2010 -- Moscow will provide Johannesburg with access to information from its surface sensing satellites.
Russia ready to sell Ukraine 10% stake in uranium enrichment center RIA Novosti 04 Aug 2010 -- Russia has completed all the formalities for the sale of 10% of the stakes in the International Center for Uranium Enrichment to Ukraine, Russian Prime Minster Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
No threat of nuke explosion at Russia's Sarov nuclear center - Rosatom chief RIA Novosti 04 Aug 2010 -- There is no threat of a nuclear explosion at the Sarov Federal Nuclear Center surrounded by wildfires since all the explosive materials have been removed, the head of the Federal Atomic Energy Agency Rosatom said on Wednesday.
S. Korea Vows Counter-Attack If North Opens Fire During Drills VOA 04 Aug 2010 -- South Korean military officials say they are ready to respond if North Korea carries out its threat to attack during the South's latest military drills. The drills are part of South Korea's response to the sinking of one of its navy ships in March, an act blamed on Pyongyang.
NORAD Plans Exercise With Russian Air Force AFPS 03 Aug 2010 -- The Russian air force and the North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct their first cooperative air defense exercise, NORAD officials announced.
US, Russia to Conduct First-Ever Joint Air Force Maneuvers VOA 03 Aug 2010 -- U.S. military officials say elements of the Russian Air Force will join U.S. and Canadian air units in the first-ever joint air defense exercises between the former Cold War foes.
NORAD, Russia to conduct first-ever joint air defense drills RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2010 -- The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the Russian Air Force will hold their first-ever joint air defense exercise on August 8-11, NORAD said.
Russian ship thwarts pirate attack on tanker in Red Sea RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2010 -- A Russian Black Sea fleet vessel, involved in an anti-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa, thwarted a pirate attack on a Russian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea on Monday, a Navy spokesman said on Tuesday.
Russia may lose $13 bln to ban on arms exports to Iran - analyst RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2010 -- Russia could lose up to $13 billion due to an extensive arms embargo imposed on Iran over its controversial nuclear program, a Russian arms trade expert said on Tuesday.
Russia to launch moon probe in 2012 RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2010 -- Russia's Federal Space Agency Roscosmos will launch a probe bearing a neutron generator to study the moon's surface in 2012, a leading space researcher said on Tuesday.
Expanding FSB powers: Treating the symptoms not the disease? RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2010 -- President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a law on introducing amendments to the law on the Federal Security Service (FSB) about administrative violations that expands the powers of the FSB under the current law. The bill had been adopted by the State Duma and approved by the Federation Council.
U.S. woman used as patsy in smuggling military hardware to Russia RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2010 -- A U.S. woman is suspected of smuggling military hardware to Russia, although she firmly believes she was sending humanitarian aid to Russian orphans, ABC News.com reported.
Mistral contract should be signed at Euronaval show - Russian Navy commander RIA Novosti 02 Aug 2010 -- Russia's contract to buy Mistral class helicopter carriers from France should be signed in Paris at the Euronaval 2010 defense show in October or Russia may lag behind in the ship building industry, Russian Navy commander Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky said.
Russian Navy to base warships at Syrian port after 2012 RIA Novosti 02 Aug 2010 -- Russia's naval supply and maintenance site near Syria's Mediterranean port of Tartus will be modernized to accommodate heavy warships after 2012, the Russian Navy chief said on Monday.
Russian aircraft carrier blueprint to be ready by yearend - Navy chief RIA Novosti 02 Aug 2010 -- A technical design for a new-generation aircraft carrier will be ready by the end of the year, the head of the Russian Navy said on Monday.
Russian navy sets up rapid reaction groups to prevent on-board fires RIA Novosti 01 Aug 2010 -- The Russian navy has set up rapid reaction groups to prevent eventual on-board fires, a spokesmen for the Russian Navy's Main Staff said on Sunday.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

August 2010 - Russia Special Weapons News