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US expert: â€œIf Russia takes steps to upgrade Gabala radar, it could not, however, replace the shorter-wavelength radars that the U.S. is going to deploy as part of the systemâ€ - INTERVIEW

13 April 2011 09:04 (UTC +04:00)

- What is the possible role of Azerbaijan in the security cooperation between Russia and US? Does it play any role?

- I think it would be good if the U.S. and Russia agree to use the Gabala radar (as well as other radars) to exchange data on missile launches and to cooperate on space surveillance. Azerbaijan, who hosts the radar, could help support this kind of cooperation.

- Speaking of Gabala, there have been some media reports that Moscow has begun modernization of Azerbaijani radar station. Does is make any interest for US?

- As I understand it, the radar in Gabala can be a useful addition to a missile defense system as an early-warning radar. So, if Russia takes steps to upgrade it, it could probably serve in that role. It could not, however, replace the shorter-wavelength radars that the U.S. is going to deploy as part of the system, so general architecture of the U.S. missile defense is unlikely to change if the Gabala radar is integrated into the system.

- It is not a secret that the West also plans to build a missile defense system separately from Russia. Recently NATO also stated its similar plan. Could this develop tensions between NATO and Russia?

- Not necessarily, although Russia seems to insist on having some kind of integrated system. My understanding is that on the Russian side this is more of a political position. Once the sides begin serious discussions about possible arrangements, they will realize that there is no particular need to have a joint system of the kind Russia talks about. Russia could still get the assurances it wants that the system is not directed against it.

- Overall, how would you describe the prospects of the new era relations between US and Russia?

- We’ve seen several "new eras" in the last couple of decades. I think the U.S.-Russian relations have a good potential for improvement and indeed they have been improving all this time, even if slowly and with some setbacks. My take is that the two countries should concentrate on building institutions of cooperation - links between their military, security, and other establishments. Missile defense cooperation would be a good example of that.