The Russian Aerospace Defense Forces (VKO) plan to cut the number of radar units produced to defend the skies above Moscow and the Central region by four times, however VKO will boost the production of new generation air defense systems, VKO spokesperson Alexei Zototukhin told RIA Novosti.
"Due to the introduction of new generations of radars to air- and ballistic missile defense systems, capable of detecting a wide range of high-altitude and high speed targets, the range of purchased radar systems and air defense units may be reduced two times in 2016 and four times, starting 2021," — Zolotukhin said.
According to Zolotukhin, this will improve the maintainability of new radar units and cancel the operation of older models.
He also added that the production of new radar models, coming into service this year, will be doubled.
Last month, Zoloukhin said VKO will carry out eight drills throughout 2015 that will involve firing exercises with air defense missile systems.
