Russia will have new-generation missile early warning satellites in 2009

KUALA LUMPUR. April 22 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian missile early warning system (MEWS) will be fitted with new-generation satellites, Col. Gen. Vladimir Popovkin, the Space Troops Commander, told Interfax-AVN in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

"Like any other system, the MEWS space component is being constantly upgraded. Currently, we are designing next-generation satellites that are expected to be launched in late 2009," Popovkin said.