MOSCOW. Feb 20 (Interfax-AVN) - Creation of a comprehensive system of combating low-altitude aircraft will boost the anti-terrorist potential of the air defense system deployed on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region, Colonel General Yury Solovyov, commander of the Air Force's Special Task Command, said on Monday.
"The existing air defense force was created to destroy a potential enemy's aerial attack assets. Its involvement in combating manifestations of aerial hooliganism and air terrorism will be expensive and economically inexpedient," Solovyov noted.
"In addition, the use of air defense missiles over densely populated areas of Moscow and adjacent territories may be fraught with danger for civilians," he said.
"That is why the need arises to improve the existing air defense system in the Moscow region," Solovyov added.
Speaking about the development of a comprehensive system of combating low-altitude aircraft, he noted that apart from anti-terror measures, it will be able to assist the aircraft that have lost orientation, planes in distress and those encountering other force majeure circumstances.
"However, it is also necessary to improve the legislation dealing with the use of arms against violator aircraft," he said.