MOSCOW. April 11 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian air defense missiles may become an element of a non-strategic missile defense system being built currently, Lieutenant General Alexander Gorkov, chief of Air Force air defense missile forces, told Interfax-Military News Agency Friday.
The currently operational multi-channel AD missiles can be easily put on the list of assets to be used in the non-strategic (tactical) missile defense system, he said.
He also said that the role of fire assets could be especially important in organizing and performing non-strategic missile defense.
"The targets the missile AD forces are confronted with are to be met to a precision close to unity, for the tactical- and theater-level missiles employed by the enemy may carry WMD," he said.
In his opinion, the system of aerospace defense could be composed by uniting the air defenses and space defense assets, in making use of the broad range of operational altitudes for various aerospace assault hardware, which will be possible as new AD and space defense assets enter the inventory.
"The missile AD forces operate multi-channel AD missiles capable of hitting current and prospective aerial targets, including tactical- and theater-level missiles," Gorkov said.
He added that the S-300PMU-1 AD missile system was being upgraded within the Favorit program, which would greatly enhance its combat performance.
"We are creating new AD defense missiles with improved performances. In the near future the missile forces will receive the Triumf multi-channel missiles being under state trials now. We will also have battlefield coverage and support assets," the general said.