Russia halts production of S-300 air defense systemAugust 15, 2011 - 13:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia's new mid-range Vityaz air defense system should replace the outdated S-300 system by 2014, former chief designer of Almaz-Antei corporation Igor Ashurbeili said. "Vityaz should be ready to enter service in 2013-2014," Ashurbeili told RIA Novosti. "Only the insufficient funding of the testing of a new missile for this system could cause a delay." The Vityaz is expected to replace the outdated S-300PS systems, whose service life is coming to an end in the next two years. The new system will have a more advanced radar and a launcher with 16 missiles compared to only four on the S-300. The Vityaz will complement the Morfey, the S-400 and the S-500 air defense systems in the future aerospace defense network to engage targets at ranges from five to 400 kilometers, and at altitudes from five meters to near space. Ashurbeili said that the timely introduction of the Vityaz is crucial to Russia's aerospace defense network as the country will have only a few dozen battalions of modernized S-300PM systems to fill the mid-range gap after the S-300PS are taken from combat duty. According to unconfirmed data, two battalions in Armenia are equipped with S-300. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |