Russia To Launch New Military Satellites By 2015

Russia will launch a total of 11 military satellites by 2015, President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

Speaking at a meeting on the development of the Russian satellite fleet, Putin said five military satellites have already joined Russia’s orbital group in 2013 and that five more will be added to it before the year is out.

Next year, Russia will launch another six satellites in line with the state arms procurement program, he said.

Putin did not specify the type of satellites or whether they would include dual-purpose Glonass navigation satellites.

According to Maj. Gen. Alexander Golovko, the commander of the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces, Russia currently operates some 120 active satellites in orbit. About 80 of these satellites are reportedly military or dual-purpose.