Excellent news, we have a choice with the current aggression against Russia, either sit here and get surrounded from around and above, or face the facts that Russia not only needs space based weapons systems, but also that it needs to be a leader in the field. The same goes for a BRIC worldwide ABM system. Standing still just means others will surpass us. Joining forces with China, India, Brazil.... on a worldwide system, securing peace against western colonial expansion is a necessity in this world, going forward. Not only will such systems provide sucurity but also investment in technology and our peoples scientific development.

ofocurse Russia msut develop most offensive weapons because Russia is the main target for attack through proxy by england and usa.

Russia probably already has this capability but will never be able to compete with the Chinese unless Russia improves it's economy. China is the economic power house and India is right behind China, so Russia will definitely have a lot of competition in this area in the future. The little GREEN WOMEN from another galaxy may show up and foil all the nicely laid plans of EARTHLINGS though. This would be a shame with such treasure and efforts expended.

What do you mean by compete Green? This proposed new satellite offers the potential for a capability no one currently has. If others already had such capability that would be more reason to pursue this technology rather than a reason to give up and not bother. Don't confuse military capability with economic muscle, Germany and Japan have been economic powerhouses in their respective regions after WWII but the threat they posed was minimal due to the prevailing circumstances.

If the West continues it's attempts to surround Russia why shouldn't Russia go up to space? Let's stop kidding ourselves, Russia is an obstacle to the NWO envisioned by many in the West, the war is on, it's just that no shots have been fired, except perhaps in Georgia. Regrettably the pressure NATO exerts precludes a liberalization of Russia as resources must be given up to armaments. Pity.

The United States and its NATO allies are doing everything possible to surround and suppress Russia militarily. They have by far surpassed Russia in terms of conventional weapons capabilities, and the only military deterrence available to Russia right now is its nuclear strike capability. The United States is working round the clock to neutralize this Russian nuclear deterrence through its Strategic Missile Defense Program, and the encircling of Russia with NATO countries and subsequently American military bases and weapons. With their economic power and political will, this goal I am afraid will be achieved in the future if Russia does not take adequate steps to prevent this happening through development of advanced offensive weapons. I therefore believe that Russia should come off its high horse, grab the bull by the horn and develop sophisticated weapons. Space based weapons are surely another way for Russia to keep potential aggressors at bay since they have the technology.

in 2008 I sent email to Russian federation that as the oil price is low mack solid rocket fuel in mass production of solid fueled rockets and they did I have big input. if the US attacks Iran then Saudi oil will be hit big time.

It's sad that so many of the comments posted show such antagonism towards the United States of America and other western countries. I can state firsthand that the vast majority of Americans, as well as other European citizens have only the best wishes for your Russian friends.

One thing is antagonism towards the USA and European states, and other against their people. It's a fact that Russia is a threat to United States' and European hegemony and it's just logical to assume that they'll keep being as hostile to Russia as they were to the USSR so long as Russia is not submissive to them. USSR had so much military potential, it'd be good if Russia could actually get at least close to that potential.

What's with all the talk of America ready to attack Russia? That's nuts... The attitude towards Russia in the US is a great one. The American people would never stand for an attack on Russia short of Russia attacking us. Do people just yearn for the cold war or something? Personally, I think it's really great how both of our countries have been cooperating on space-related ventures. All this talk of 'colonial expanision' is nothing more than outmoded rhetoric. Let it go. Many Americans, including myself, have a ton of respect for Russia and love your country and people. And your vodka. Please send more vodka.