MOSCOW. May 20 (Interfax-AVN) - Analysis of plans for the four-stage modernization of the U.S. missile defense system and the deployment of its elements in Europe has shown that the U.S. missile defense shield could lower the potential of Russia's nuclear deterrent forces after 2015, Lt. Gen. Andrei Tretyak, director of the Russian General Staff's Main Operative Department, said.
"A profound analysis of plans to modernize the U.S. missile defense system conducted by scientific research organizations of the Defense Ministry has shown that the first and second stages do not pose a serious threat to the Russian strategic nuclear forces. However, the situation could change considerably during the implementation of the third and fourth stages, after 2015," Tretyak said.