Russia is preparing to launch a military satellite into space in a matter of weeks as World War Three fears continue to escalate, just days after
Vladimir Putin’s forces placed
missiles “that threaten half of Europe” in a
Baltic Sea port town.
The Blagovest satellite is scheduled to be launched from Baikonur spaceportin Kazakhstan in April, the manufacturer’s CEO Nikolai Testoyedov confirmed today.
The head of Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems said: “The customer has drawn up a schedule launches and we are following it.
“The satellite is ready from December for its delivery.
“We are preparing for the launch in April.”
The military device, which will be the second Blagovest satellite to be launched into space, was originally scheduled for launch on December 25.
But the launch was delayed to February and has been delayed once more because of problems with one of the satellite’s devices.
The first Blagovest satellite was fired into space in August last year.
Russia’s defence ministry is planning to deploy four Blagovest satellites up into space by 2020.
The third and fourth will be ready for their delivery into orbit in 2018.
The devices are designed to provide high-speed access to the internet, transmit data and offer telephone and video conference communications using the advanced Ka-and Ku-band frequencies.
The move will fuel fears Russia is readying itself for World War Three, after it was confirmed the military plans to add four upgraded nuclear-powered submarines to its Pacific Fleet.
Russia also hosted the Zapad military games last year which were designed to simulate an invasion of Europe.
Dalia Grybauskaitė, the President of Lithuania, revealed this week that Russia has permanently deployed Iskander missile to the port city of Kaliningrad - a part of Russia wedged between Lithuania and Poland.
Mrs Grybauskaitė said: “This makes the situation even more serious because Iskanders in Kaliningrad means dangers for half of European capitals.”
The missile deployment so near to NATO territory is seen as a threat at a time when tensions are already simmering.
Russia has long said it would place the missiles in Kaliningrad in respond to a US missile shield being developed in Eastern Europe.
The US has claimed the shield is being developed to counter potential attacks from Iran.