October 4, 2007 (LPAC)--The commander of the Russian Space Forces, Col-Gen. Vladimir Popovkin, stated in an interview with the military newspaper, Red Star, published today, that the state-of-the-art radar under construction in southern Russia, near Armavir, which is only 450 miles northwest of the Iranian border, will be ready for duty in late 2007.

Previously, Popovkin had stated it would be ready in 2008. This new, next-generation technology radar facility, together with the older Gabala radar, was offered by President Putin as elements for cooperation with the U.S., in ballistic missile defense.

Next week, the group of Russian and U.S. experts are scheduled to meet, followed by a meeting of the Russian Foreign and Defense Ministers, with the U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense.