But this very strength makes space systems the Achilles heel of the modern army. Disabling its satellites would effectively cripple the U.S. military -- and they are almost completely undefended.

Hence U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates' demand for funds. As other nations follow the United States' lead and rush to protect their satellites from attack, we will see the development of a new arms race. Does this make the militarization of space inevitable? If we are talking about the deployment of attack weapons capable of independently destroying targets in space, the air and on the ground, the answer is "yes." But this doesn't necessarily mean that space will be turned into a gun turret with the whole planet in sight.

Weapons carrying satellites are a nightmare that has so far been avoided, and I believe may still be avoided. It is not at all necessary to put combat stations into orbit, or arm reconnaissance and weather satellites. Satellites can be reliably protected by ground-based systems that Russia is currently developing.

In early February 2007, Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov set his defense department the task of developing an integrated system of air, space and missile defense. The air defense concern Almaz-Antei has been named the main developer of the project.

Ivanov said that the project is "very serious, expensive, and unique in the use of innovation technology." A timetable has been set for its implementation within the arms program up to 2015. The ministries and departments involved in the project have been ordered to draft a comprehensive program for the development of a unified system of air defense missiles.

This will include a mobile system of air and space defense currently being developed by Almaz. Ivanov said that "it will consist of combat, information and other systems that would simultaneously guarantee three types of defense -- air, space, and missile defense."

Considering the need to ensure close cooperation between the air and space forces in using the unified air and space defense systems, the commander of the Russian air force has proposed that all aerospace forces should be unified under the Air Force Chief Command.

How the United States will choose to protect its more than 500 satellites is an open question. But it would be better for everyone if, following Russia's example, such defense systems are launched from predictable ground sites, rather than space.

(Andrei Kislyakov is a political commentator for RIA Novosti. This article is reprinted by permission of RIA Novosti. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.)

(United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)

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