From Xinhua:  Russia will considerably beef up its space forces by 2030 to counter possible threats, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Friday.

"Early warning satellites, electronic reconnaissance, communications, warfare command of a new generation will be developed," Rogozin told a conference devoted to Russian space activities.

The official mentioned two possible space-originated threats to Russia — one from strategic weapons, the other from the possible placement of weapons in space.

"Russia is categorically against it [militarization of space]. But if any country allows itself to violate the tradition of space as a zone of cooperation, Russia will find its answer," Rogozin said, adding that answer would be "asymmetrical" and Russia would not deploy arms in space itself.  (graphic: EPA/ESA)

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