Russia Pursuing Antisatellite Capability

Russia indicated yesterday that it is developing antisatellite technologies intended to equal the capabilities displayed by two other countries, the Associated Press reported.

Asked about U.S. and Chinese exercises that involved shooting down orbiting satellites, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Valentin Popovkin said: "We can't sit back and quietly watch others doing that; such work is being conducted in Russia."

Russia has already obtained several "basic, key elements" of the technology, he said without offering details.

Moscow still hopes to avoid an arms race in outer space, Popovkin said.

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