August 2015 - Russia Special Weapons News

Iran's S-300 Lawsuit Impedes Russia's Deliveries of Missile Defense Systems Sputnik 31 Aug 2015 -- If Tehran withdraws its lawsuit over the non-delivery of the S-300 missile defense systems, Moscow will be able to work on supplying Iran with these weapons.
Russia, US, China Returning to Battleships Era? Sputnik 30 Aug 2015 -- Maybe it's time to build new big battleships, American scholar Robert Farley suggests, adding that he expects the return of the era of big warships.
Russia’s Top Seven Weapons Sending Shivers Down the Spines of US Military Sputnik 30 Aug 2015 -- We Are The Mighty online magazine recently published a list of seven pieces of new Russian weaponry and military equipment.
Iran says negotiating with Russia for Sukhoi fighter jets Press TV 30 Aug 2015 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan says Tehran is in talks with Moscow for the purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets.
State-of-the-Art Russian Warship Enters Open Sea for Drills Sputnik 29 Aug 2015 -- The sophisticated Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, which was specifically built for the Black Sea Fleet, is currently undergoing sea trials in the Baltic Sea water zone.
Top NASA Official: Paying Russia To Ferry Astronauts Is Unwise RFE/RL 29 Aug 2015 -- NASA’s top official is pleading with Congress for more money, saying paying Russia to shuttle U.S. astronauts to the International Space Station is a misguided investment.
Foreign Partners May Be Involved in Sea Launch Project Sputnik 29 Aug 2015 -- The RSC Energia director said that he admitted the possibility for foreign partners to take part in the Sea Launch project.
New Russian Spaceship to Be Ready Ahead of Schedule Sputnik 29 Aug 2015 -- Russian space manufacturer RSC Energia said that the first prototype of a new Russian manned spacecraft for launch to the International Space Station and the Moon may be created ahead of schedule.
Russia Launches First Proton Rocket Since May Accident RFE/RL 28 Aug 2015 -- Russia has successfully launched a rocket carrier with a British satellite in the first such launch since an engine failure in May resulted in a commercial satellite being destroyed.
Iran Mulls Russian Military Aircraft Purchase, Joint Space Projects Sputnik 28 Aug 2015 -- Iran is holding active talks with Russia on the purchase of military aircraft.
Kyiv Accuses Separatists of Multiple Cease-fire Violations VOA 27 Aug 2015 -- Ukraine accused Russia-backed rebels of multiple cease-fire violations Thursday, a day after representatives of the two sides agreed to try to halt the ongoing violence by September 1.
Organization Launched To Support Russian 'Volunteers' In Ukraine Conflict RFE/RL 27 Aug 2015 -- A former leader of separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine has announced the launch of a support network for Russian volunteers who fought in the conflict and the families of those killed.
Tiny Baltic State Takes Offense at Finland Over Much-Feared Russian Threat Sputnik 27 Aug 2015 -- Lithuania has “no direct obligation to defend Finland from Russia, but, if such a situation takes place, NATO, more than likely, will find a way to do that."
France Refunds Russia for Mistral Contract Termination Sputnik 27 Aug 2015 -- According to a high-ranking source, France has returned Russia all the money for the Mistrals.
Successor to Russia's Tu-160 Bomber to Be Equipped With Advanced Avionics Sputnik 27 Aug 2015 -- The principle of integrated modular avionics, in which each aircraft system can perform various functions, will be implemented in a modernized version of Russia’s Tu-160 strategic bomber.
Final MH17 Crash Report Due In October RFE/RL 27 Aug 2015 -- The Dutch Safety Board has announced that the final report into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine last year will be published on October 13.
Estonia To Build Fence Along Russian Border RFE/RL 27 Aug 2015 -- Estonia says it plans to build a fence along part of its eastern border with Russia to safeguard its security and protect the EU's passport-free Schengen Area.
ESA Chief Warns Not to Politicize Partnership With Russian Space Program Sputnik 27 Aug 2015 -- The ongoing crisis in ties between Russia and the West should not tarnish their cooperation when it comes to space exploration.
Report With Tally Of 'Russian War Casualties' Causes Stir RFE/RL 26 Aug 2015 -- A Russian-language website has caused a stir with a report asserting that more than 2,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Russia ‘urges Iran to revoke S-300 suit’ Press TV 26 Aug 2015 -- Moscow says it has urged Tehran to revoke a lawsuit previously filed over Russia’s failure to meet contractual commitments to deliver S-300 air defense systems to Iran.
Russia Completes Modernization of Indian Navy's Il-38 Fleet Sputnik 26 Aug 2015 -- According to Ilyushin general designer and deputy general director, Russia has completed the upgrade of all of India's Ilyushin Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft to SD standard.
Iranian company to develop satellite observation system Press TV 26 Aug 2015 -- Russia says an Iranian company plans to build a satellite observation system with the help of two Russian corporations.
Russia-Pakistan Mi-35 Contract Could be Expanded Sputnik 25 Aug 2015 -- The contract on the delivery of four Russian Mi-35 helicopters to Pakistan could be expanded.
Russia to Deliver Five Tor-M2K Surface-to-Air Missile Launchers to Belarus Sputnik 25 Aug 2015 -- Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and the Belarusian Defense MInistry signed on Tuesday a contract on delivery of five missile launchers for the Tor-M2K air defense system.
Duma Deputies Cry Foul Over Early Prison Release Of Former Russian Defense Official RFE/RL 25 Aug 2015 -- The early prison release of a former Russian Defense Ministry official has been met with shock and dismay by Duma deputies - including some with close ties to the Kremlin.
Eight Russians Who Have Taken A Stand RFE/RL 25 Aug 2015 -- On August 25, 1968, eight Soviet citizens came out into Red Square to protest the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia.
Russia, China begin new phase of naval drills in Sea of Japan Press TV 24 Aug 2015 -- Russia and China have embarked on the “active phase” of major military drills in the Sea of Japan and off Russia’s far eastern coast.
Hundreds of Russian R-73 Air-to-Air Missiles in High Demand Worldwide Sputnik 24 Aug 2015 -- Over a dozen of countries will receive R-73 short range air-to-air missiles by the end of 2015.
New and Unique: Russia to Unveil Latest Drone at MAKS-2015 Sputnik 24 Aug 2015 -- It is reported that the new Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ZALA 421-16E5 has been developed using unique technologies that will provide with higher quality abilities to perform tasks.
Russian Helicopters to Unveil Advanced High-Speed Chopper Sputnik 24 Aug 2015 -- The Russian Helicopters manufacturing company will unveil a full-scale model of an advanced high-speed helicopter at the opening of the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS on Tuesday.
Iran, Russia to Join Hands to Build Fighter Jets Sputnik 23 Aug 2015 -- Iran and Russia will cooperate in the “joint designing and manufacturing” of combat aircraft, the Islamic Republic’s defense minister announced on Saturday.
Russia denies reports of delivering 6 MiG fighter jets to Syria Press TV 22 Aug 2015 -- Russia has denied reports that it has provided Syria with Mikoyan MiG-31 fighter jets, adding that it has no plans to do so in the future, either.
‘Spy’Jailing Stirs Fears of Russian Interference in Baltics VOA 21 Aug 2015 -- The sentencing by Russia this week of an Estonian security official to 15 years in jail for alleged spying is the latest incident amid growing tension between Moscow and the Baltic states.
Russia's Lider-Class Nuclear Destroyer Project Hits Pentagon's Raw Nerve Sputnik 21 Aug 2015 -- Russia's new Lider-class destroyers are seemingly giving the Pentagon the shivers.
Pentagon Chief: Russia Poses ‘Existential Threat’ to US VOA 20 Aug 2015 -- In language rarely heard since the end of the Cold War, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that Russia again poses an “existential threat” to the United States and in many ways behaves like an antagonist.
Russia to deliver new fuel to Bushehr plant Press TV 20 Aug 2015 -- TVEL, a subsidiary of Russia’s state-run nuclear energy company Rosatom, says it will deliver fresh nuclear fuel to Iran’s Bushehr power plant by the end of this month.
Russia, China launch ‘unprecedented’ joint naval drills Press TV 20 Aug 2015 -- Russian and Chinese navies have started their largest-ever joint military exercises in the Pacific with dozens of vessels and featuring anti-submarine operations.
Russia's 'Caspian Monster' to Make Impressive Comeback Sputnik 20 Aug 2015 -- Russia plans to resume the production of the ekranoplan, a vehicle that can be described as a combination of an airplane and a hovercraft.
US anti-Iran bans no concern of Russia’s in S-300 sale: Lavrov Press TV 19 Aug 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow does not care about the United States’ unilateral sanctions against Iran over the delivery of the Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system to the Islamic Republic.
US objects Russia’s sale of S-300 to Iran Press TV 19 Aug 2015 -- The United States has announced that it would object to Russia’s decision to sell the S-300 missile defense system to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Russia deploying new air defense system to Arctic border with US Press TV 19 Aug 2015 -- The Pentagon says Russia is deploying new air defense systems to strategic areas near its border with the US and Norway; weapon systems that are modified for the harsh Arctic environment.
Statement by acting NATO spokesperson on the situation in eastern Ukraine NATO 19 Aug 2015
Ukraine, Russia Trade Blame For Attacks RFE/RL 19 Aug 2015 -- Russia and the separatists are launching these attacks, just as they escalated the conflict last August," U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said on August 17.
Georgia Criticizes Russian Military Exercises In Abkhazia, South Ossetia RFE/RL 19 Aug 2015 -- Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has condemned Russia’s military exercises in Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Conviction of Estonian Internal Security Service Employee in Russia US Dept. of State 19 Aug 2015
Russia Sentences Estonia 'Spy' to 15 Years in Prison VOA 19 Aug 2015 -- Russia sentenced an Estonian security officer to 15 years in prison for spying in the latest in a series of politically charged trials.
Russia Sentences Snatched Estonian Security Officer To 15 Years RFE/RL 19 Aug 2015 -- A Russian court has convicted of espionage an Estonian security officer who Tallinn and Brussels say was abducted in Estonia.
Estonia Condemns Sentencing of National in Russia, Demands Release Sputnik 19 Aug 2015 -- Estonia condemns the sentencing of one of its nationals in Russia and demands his immediate release.
Meet Putin's Hostages RFE/RL 19 Aug 2015 -- Meet Vladimir Putin's hostages, two men and a woman who have become victims of the Kremlin leader's jihad against international rules, norms, and law.
Russian Prosecutors Seek 23-year Sentence for Crimean Filmmaker VOA 19 Aug 2015 -- Public prosecutors in Russia's Rostov region on Wednesday asked judges for a 23-year sentence against a Ukrainian film director.
Ukraine Fighting Eases as Putin Blames Kyiv for Hostilities VOA 18 Aug 2015 -- Fighting in eastern Ukraine between government troops and Russia-backed rebels eased Tuesday.
Russia To Build New Radar Stations In Azerbaijan, Near Arctic Circle RFE/RL 18 Aug 2015 -- Moscow has plans to start building new early warning radar stations in Azerbijan and near the Arctic Circle.
Putin Warns Crimean Tatars Not To Seek Special Status RFE/RL 18 Aug 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned minority ethnic Tatars that they should not strive for special status on the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine last year.
Iran Expects New S-300 Deal With Russia by End of Next Week Sputnik 18 Aug 2015 -- Iranian Defense Minister said that Iran expects that a renewed contract on the delivery of Russian S-300 missile defense systems could be signed this or next week.
Russia Dismisses Iran General Visit as 'Rumor' VOA 17 Aug 2015 -- Russia is dismissing as "rumors" reports it hosted an Iranian general, despite a United Nations travel ban on such a visit.
Russia, Iran Plan To Expand Military Cooperation RFE/RL 17 Aug 2015 -- Moscow and Tehran say they plan to expand military and economic cooperation after international sanctions against Iran are lifted under a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
Ex-KGB Agent Leaves Canada For Russia To Avoid Deportation RFE/RL 17 Aug 2015 -- A former KGB agent who spent six years living in a church in Canada to avoid deportation to Russia has left Canada, his lawyer says.
Russia delivers six Mikoyan MiG-31 fighter jets to Syria: Report Press TV 16 Aug 2015 -- Russia has delivered six Mikoyan MiG-31 fighter jets to Syria in a bid to help the Arab country in its battle against Takfiri terrorists.
Space Power: Russian Anti-Missile Warning System Protects on Multiple Tiers Sputnik 16 Aug 2015 -- The Russian anti-missile warning system has the primary task to detect a missile attack and pass on the data to the anti-missile defense system.
Chinese warships leave for sea of Japan for joint drills with Russia Xinhua 15 Aug 2015 -- Seven Chinese warships on Saturday left east China's port city of Qingdao for the Sea of Japan where they will join Russian counterparts for a nine-day naval exercise.
Russia Ready To Send S-300 Missile Systems To Iran RFE/RL 15 Aug 2015 -- Russia is ready to send S-300 long-range, surface-to-air missile systems to Iran.
Iran’s Damavand destroyer to dock at Russia’s Astrakhan port Press TV 15 Aug 2015 -- The Iranian Navy will send a naval fleet comprising the domestically-built Damavand destroyer to Russia in the near future.
Russia, Germany concerned over truce violations in Ukraine Press TV 14 Aug 2015 -- Russia and Germany have voiced concern about a recent escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine, as top diplomats from the two countries renew calls for an end to the violations of a truce agreement in the area.
Hollande Under Fire After Newspaper Reveals True Cost of Mistral Fiasco Sputnik 13 Aug 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande faces pressure after a newspaper revealed that the true cost of breaking the Mistral contract with Russia may be more than double the declared sum.
Belarus Air Force Boosts Orders of Ultra-Modern Russian Yak-130 Jets Sputnik 13 Aug 2015 -- Belarus has ordered new combat aircraft from Russia, according to the commander of Belarus' Air Force and Air Defense Forces.
Ukraine Clashes Prompt Stern Call From Kerry to Lavrov VOA 13 Aug 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed “grave concern” to his Russian counterpart about a "sharp rise" in separatist attacks in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine Posts Video Of Captured ‘Russian Soldier’ Asking For Putin’s Help RFE/RL 13 Aug 2015 -- Ukraine’s state security agency has released a new video purporting to show a Russian army officer who was detained last month in eastern Ukraine appealing to President Vladimir Putin to secure his release.
Kerry: Chinese, Russians 'Very Likely' Reading My Emails VOA 12 Aug 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said it is "very likely" his emails are read by the Chinese and Russians, both of whom have been accused of recent cyberattacks on U.S. government targets.
Increased NATO, Russian Military Drills Raising Tensions RFE/RL 12 Aug 2015 -- The increase in the scale and number of military exercises by Russian and NATO is making armed conflict in Europe more likely, a think tank has warned.
Kursk Anniversary: Submarine Disaster Was Putin's 'First Lie' RFE/RL 12 Aug 2015 -- Fifteen years after the dramatic sinking of the Kursk nuclear submarine with the loss 118 lives in August 2000, lawyer Boris Kuznetsov sees the tragedy as a turning point for modern Russia.
Amid Crackdown, Putin Reportedly Plans Human Rights Award RFE/RL 12 Aug 2015 -- Rights groups in Russia have been ensnared in a far-reaching government clampdown since Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency in 2012.
MH17 Probe Yields Possible Parts of Russian Missile VOA 11 Aug 2015 -- Investigators probing last year's downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine have found fragments that may have come from a Russian surface-to-air missile.
Evidence Of Possible Russian Missiles In MH17 Tragedy RFE/RL 11 Aug 2015 -- Dutch prosecutors say they have found possible parts of a Russian-made BUK missile system at the site in eastern Ukraine where Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was brought down in 2014, killing all 298 people on board.
MH17 Crash Team Cannot Confirm Origin of Recovered Parts Yet Sputnik 11 Aug 2015 -- It is too early to hypothesize about the country of origin of possible missile system parts amid the ongoing probe into last year’s downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
Leader Of Self-Proclaimed Caucasus Emirate Killed In Daghestan RFE/RL 11 Aug 2015 -- The leader of the self-proclaimed Caucasus Emirate, Magomed Suleimanov, was killed in a special operation in Russia's North Caucasus region of Daghestan on August 11.
Russia May Introduce Glonass-Based Navigation System for Light Aircraft Sputnik 11 Aug 2015 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin claims that Russia may introduce a system of automatic dependent surveillance for light aircraft on the basis of Russia's Glonass satellite navigation network.
Russian Cosmonauts Finish Nearly Six-Hour Spacewalk RFE/RL 11 Aug 2015 -- Two Russian cosmonauts added new equipment outside the International Space Station, cleaned windows, and took pictures to study its exterior.
Iran's 4th naval zone hosts Russian naval fleet IRNA 09 Aug 2015 -- A Russian naval fleet comprised of two warships entered Iranian territorial waters on Sunday and docked at the fourth naval zone of the Iranian Navy, according to Public Relations Department of the Navy.
Russian Stealth Supersonic Aircraft PAK FA Revolutionizes Aviation Sputnik 09 Aug 2015 -- The PAK FA is a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, and the first operational aircraft in Russian service to use stealth technology.
Unique Capabilities of PAK FA Pilot's Gear Unveiled Sputnik 09 Aug 2015 -- A special suit for pilots who will fly the newest Sukhoi PAK FA (also known as T-50) jet fighter has been developed by Russian engineers and scientists.
Russia's New Armored Vehicle to Enter Service After Tests Sputnik 08 Aug 2015 -- The Volk armored mobility vehicle is currently undergoing experimental tests at the Arzamas Machinery Plant, the company's press office reported.
BRICS Woes: Plunging Currency Values Belie Talk Of Challenging Dollar RFE/RL 07 Aug 2015 -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - the BRICS - hope to move the world away from the U.S. dollar and Western-dominated financial institutions, which they say do not meet the needs of emerging economies.
India, Russia in talks to jointly produce helicopters, tanks, aircraft and ships TASS 07 Aug 2015 -- India and Russia are discussing projects to jointly produce helicopters, ships, tanks and aircraft, the Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Russian Hackers Suspected In E-mail Attack On U.S. Military Chiefs RFE/RL 07 Aug 2015 -- Russia is the leading suspect in a sophisticated cyber attack on the unclassified e-mail network of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, forcing the military command to shut the system down, U.S. officials said August 6.
Russian S-400 Missile Defense Systems Operational in Kamchatka Sputnik 07 Aug 2015 -- The capabilities of the new systems are several times better than the military efficiency of the anti-air defense of foreign states, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
Russian Eastern Military District Gets New Air Force, Air Defense Army Sputnik 07 Aug 2015 -- Russia has established an Air Force and Air Defense Army in its Eastern Military District that will perform exercises in the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, press-secretary for the regional command, Col. Alexander Gordeyev, said Friday.
Another S-400 antiaircraft missile regiment goes on combat duty in Russia's Kamchatka TASS 07 Aug 2015 -- A regiment servicing the new S-400 Triumph antiaircraft missile systems has gone on combat duty in Russia's Far East Kamchatka, the chief press spokesman for Russia's Eastern Military District, Captain 1st Rank Roman Martov told TASS on Friday.
Russian Armed Forces have two, not four armored trains on duty - source TASS 07 Aug 2015 -- The Russian railway force group in the Southern Military District has two special armored trains, The Baikal and The Amur, and not four, a source at the Defense Ministry told TASS.
New Air Force and Air Defense Army in Russia's East to protect over 22,000 km border TASS 07 Aug 2015 -- Units and formations of the 3rd Air Force and Air Defense Command in the Far East and Eastern Siberia have joined the new 11th Air Force and Air Defense Army, Eastern Military District spokesman, Colonel Alexander Gordeyev said on Friday.
Russian Defense Ministry conducts large-scale artillery exercise in western district TASS 07 Aug 2015 -- Artillery units in the Western military district are to conduct training in the field to practice counter-battery fire with thousands of artillery pieces and multiple rocket launchers taking part. Drones and Zoopark radars will be used, the district's spokesman, Colonel Oleg Kochetkov told the media.
Russia's New Spy Ship Can Track Sea-Based Elements of US Missile Defense Sputnik 06 Aug 2015 -- Russia's state-of-the-art reconnaissance ship, dubbed Admiral Yury Ivanov, is capable of tracking and locating gaps in the US missile defense, in particular its Aegis sea-based system, Bild reported.
For Sale: France Mentions Potential Candidates Willing to Buy Mistrals Sputnik 06 Aug 2015 -- On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Francois Hollande made a joint decision to terminate the 1.2-billion euro ($1.32 billion) Mistral contract signed in June 2011.
France to Refund Less Than €1.2 Billion Over Mistral Deal - Minister Sputnik 06 Aug 2015 -- The settlement terms of the contract for the delivery of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia stipulate that France will pay a refund of less than 1.2 billion euro ($1.32 billion at current exchange rates), French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday.
France Transfers Compensation for Mistral Non-Delivery in 'Utmost Secrecy' Sputnik 06 Aug 2015 -- Paris transferred over 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) to a Russian bank as compensation for terminating the deal to deliver two Mistral-class helicopter carriers to the Russian Navy 'in utmost secrecy,' the Kommersant newspaper reported, citing an unnamed source.
Russia's naval aviation to receive first Mistral-bound helicopters by 2018 TASS 06 Aug 2015 -- The Russian Navy expects to receive the first Kamov Ka-52K (Katran) ship-borne helicopters in 2017-2018, a high-placed source in the Navy's Main Headquarters told TASS on Thursday.
US Army Going the Distance to Reassure Allies in Eastern Europe VOA 05 Aug 2015 -- Amid increased Russian aggression in Ukraine, the U.S. Army needed a fresh way to reassure its eastern European allies.
Russia Concerns Driving Neighbors to NATO VOA 05 Aug 2015 -- As Poland's President Andrzej Duda is sworn in to office Thursday, a growing chorus of voices in eastern Europe is supporting his view to have permanent troops from NATO to warn off threats from Russia.
Moscow believes problem of Mistral ships fully settled, says Kremlin TASS 05 Aug 2015 -- Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Francois Hollande of France have taken a joint decision to sever the agreement on construction and supplies to the Russian Navy of two amphibious helicopter carriers of the Mistral class that was signed in June 2011, the Kremlin press service said.
Russia-China joint military drills to help counter new threats, challenges - FM TASS 05 Aug 2015 -- Joint military exercises carried out by Russia and China will help to confront new international threats and challenges, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Channel News Asia on Wednesday.
Russia backs China over US military buildup in Asia Press TV 05 Aug 2015 -- Russia has sided with China in the wake of the rising threat of the "disproportionally huge" US military buildup in Asia.
Done Deal: Putin, Hollande Reach Agreement Over Mistral Cancellation Sputnik 05 Aug 2015 -- Moscow considers the issue of Mistral contract to be fully settled, according to the Kremlin's statement.
Group of Russian Black Sea Fleet ships enters Mediterranean TASS 05 Aug 2015 -- A group of warships of Russia's Black Sea Fleet (BSF) led by the Moskva missile cruiser has passed the Strait of Gibraltar and cast anchor at the Spanish port of Ceuta, BSF spokesman Captain 1st Rank Vyacheslav Trukhachev said on Wednesday.
Use of Russian troops in Syria is out of question - Kremlin spokesman TASS 05 Aug 2015 -- The use of Russian troops in the Syrian conflict has never been even discussed, [Syrian President Bashar] Assad has never asked for that, Russian president's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
Fugitive Ex-Kremlin 'Cashier': Putin 'Did Not Want To Be President' RFE/RL 05 Aug 2015 -- When a group of Kremlin insiders searched for a successor to the erratic Russian President Boris Yeltsin in 1999, they settled on a little-known bureaucrat named Vladimir Putin, who took power the following year and rules the country with an autocratic fist to this day.
McFaul: Russian Enmity Toward U.S. Fueled by Own Weakness RFE/RL 05 Aug 2015 -- Russia, and the Kremlin in particular, has an unhealthy and misguided obsession with U.S. power and intentions, and this means badly strained relations between Washington and Moscow won't improve anytime soon, former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul told RFE/RL in an interview.
Russia Will Reuse Mistral Communication Systems on Other Vessels Sputnik 05 Aug 2015 -- Russia-produced communication systems, installed on the Mistral-class helicopter carriers that France refused to deliver, could be used on other Russian Navy vessels instead, a military-technical source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Russia Files Revised Arctic Shelf Expansion Claim to UN Sputnik 04 Aug 2015 -- Russia has submitted a revised application to the United Nations seeking the expansion of its Arctic shelf border.
Russia files UN claim over vast Arctic Press TV 04 Aug 2015 -- Russia has filed a claim at the UN for a large swathe of the Arctic, more than a decade after its first claim was turned down.
Air force and air defense army formed in Russia's Central Military District TASS 04 Aug 2015 -- The 14th Air Force and Air Defense Army has been formed in Russia's Central Military District, the aid to the district's commander, Colonel Yaroslav Roshchupkin, has told TASS.
Russia's Novorossiysk submarine ready to join Black Sea Fleet after trials TASS 04 Aug 2015 -- The Novorossiysk, Russia's new Project 636 (Varshavyanka) diesel-electric submarine has completed trials in the Northern Fleet and is ready to sail to the Black Sea to its permanent base, Northern Fleet acting spokesman, Captain 2nd Rank Andrei Luzik said on Tuesday.
Russian shipbuilders 'spare no effort' to fulfil state defense order - USC corporation TASS 03 Aug 2015 -- Russia's United Ship-building Corporation (USC) is doing its best to fulfil its liabilities under the state defense order, USC President Alexey Rakhmanov told TASS on Monday.
Russian Navy to Hold Joint Drills With Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan Sputnik 03 Aug 2015 -- Russia will hold joint naval drills with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea, according to Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm. Viktor Chirkov.
Crimean Tatar Congress Calls For 'Immediate' End To Russian Annexation RFE/RL 03 Aug 2015 -- A world congress of Crimean Tatars has called for 'all necessary measures' to be taken to return Crimea to Ukraine following Russia's takeover and annexation of the peninsula last year.
Ex-PM Azarov, In Moscow, Proclaims 'Salvation Committee' For Ukraine RFE/RL 03 Aug 2015 -- Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has announced the formation of a 'Ukraine Salvation Committee,' calling for 'total regime change' through early elections and vowing to 'restore order in our home.'
Russia establishes Aerospace Forces as new armed service - Defense Minister TASS 03 Aug 2015 -- The Aerospace Forces have become operational in Russia as its new armed service from August 1 in accordance with the Russian president's decree, Defense Minister, General of the Army Sergey Shoigu said at a conference call on Monday.
Guarding Space: Russia Creates a New Branch of the Armed Forces – Aerospace Sputnik 03 Aug 2015 -- Russia has created a new branch of its armed forces by merging the nation's air force, air defense, anti-missile and space forces into the Aerospace Forces; their first combat duty started on August 1.
Russian Army Begins Howitzer Training in Republic of Dagestan Sputnik 03 Aug 2015 -- Artillery units in the Southern Military District are undertaking training with modernized 152 mm self-propelling howitzers.
Russian Navy to Receive 17 Warships, 52 Support Vessels by Year's End Sputnik 03 Aug 2015 -- The Russian Navy will receive 17 warships and cutters, as well as 52 support vessels by the end of 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.
Su-33 Northern Fleet Navy Flankers Enter Into Kola Arctic Service Sputnik 03 Aug 2015 -- The fleet of aircraft entered into service in defense of the air borders of the Kola area of the Arctic region following a ceremony on August 1; the aircraft is a naval fighter jet based on the Su-27.
Russian army had 3 snap combat readiness checks in July - defense minister TASS 03 Aug 2015 -- Russia's Defense Ministry conducted in July a total of three surprise combat readiness inspections of troops - the Aerospace Defense Forces, checks in the Eastern Military District and the Northern Fleet, Defense Minister General Sergey Shoigu said on Monday.
Russian deputy PM suggests creating separate defense subprogram for engine-making TASS 03 Aug 2015 -- Russia's engine-making can be singled out into a separate subprogram of the country's integrated state program for the defense sector's development, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
Russia unveils armored multipurpose battlefield robot Press TV 02 Aug 2015 -- Russian scientists are developing an AI-capable armored robotic platform, which is utilizable in battlefield, nuclear fallout, and extreme arctic environments.
Military Helicopter Crashes in Central Russia Sputnik 02 Aug 2015 -- The helicopter crashed during a demonstration flight at an airshow in Russia's Ryazan region.
Mi-28 helicopter crash in central Russia caused by technical failure TASS 02 Aug 2015 -- A technical failure was the cause for the crash of a Mil Mi-28N helicopter at the Dubrovichi aviation range in the Ryazan Region in central Russia, Air Force Chief, Col.-Gen. Viktor Bondarev said on Sunday.

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August 2015 - Russia Special Weapons News