By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Russia's unified automated radar system will be up and running by 2010, the commander of the Air Force Radio-technical Troops has said.
"The integrated automated radar system will be finalized by 2010," Maj. Gen. Anatoly Boyarintsev said, adding that it will integrate the technical capacities of all Russian agencies that have radar facilities.
He said 4.5 billion roubles ($170 million) have been earmarked for the programme, which was launched in 2006 to put in place a national airspace reconnaissance and control system.
He said the system would enable the air force to address air defence tasks more effectively while civilian agencies would have a better handle on air traffic.
"This integration will enhance the safety of flights overall," the general said.
Boyarintsev also said the Radiotechnical Troops, a branch of the Russian Air Force, will receive a new type of radar to be used in mountainous terrain in early 2008.