. | . |
US Pays Czechs To Destroy Cold War Missiles
Prague (AFP) July 25, 2007 The United States, which hopes to extend its missile defence into the Czech Republic, will help Prague destroy Soviet-made Cold War missiles, vice defence minister Martin Bartak said Wednesday. The Czech Republic, a former communist state and Warsaw Pact member, has a surplus of 1,359 Soviet-made mobile guided anti-aircraft missile systems and 658 mobile launch pads. Washington will contribute 600,000 dollars (435,000 euros) to efforts to destroy the weapons, Bartak said. The payment is part of US efforts to prevent the proliferation of anti-aircraft missiles. Prague is progressively replacing the Cold War missiles, now deemed obsolete, with the modern RBS-70 system produced by Sweden's Saab company. Saab is to deliver 16 anti-aircraft systems by the end of the year for 35 million euros (48 million dollars). Washington wants the Czech Republic to accept a radar station which, together with 10 interceptor missiles in neighbouring Poland, would extend its anti-missile shield into Central Europe. The shield is to protect the US and its allies against attack from a "rogue state" such as Iran. The proposal has riled Russia and created rifts within NATO. Last week a poll found that 65 percent of Czechs opposed the plan.
Source: Agence France-Presse Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Pakistan Tests Nuclear-Capable Cruise Missile Islamabad (AFP) July 26, 2007 Pakistan on Thursday successfully test fired its nuclear-capable radar-dodging cruise missile, the military said. The indigenously developed Babur (Hatf-VII) missile has a range of 700 kilometres (437 miles) and "near stealth" properties, it said in a statement.The missile was last tested in March and first fired in 2005, since when its range has been increased from 500 kilometres. |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |