[24 Apr 2003] The construction of the AN/FPS-117 radar station in Latvia will be completed in late 2003 or early 2004, a source at the main headquarters of the Russian Airforce told Interfax on Thursday.

This station "will make it possible to monitor airspace over the territory of Russia up to Borovichi, Vyshni Voloshek, Tzhev and Roslavl [central Russia]," he said.

"The AN/FPS-117 station can locate air targets and determine their distance, azimuth, and altitude using active radio-location methods," Interfax was told.

"The construction of the radar station in Latvia and the launch of a radar in Estonia poses additional problems for us, given the fact that they will be part of the NATO air monitoring system in the future," the source said.

Fore details, see the Interfax - Military News Agency newswire.

/Interfax/