Rickety Russian radar
2007-06-20
From the way the Russians speak of it, you'd think the Gabala
radar base in Azerbaijan were the pride of the post-Soviet
military, with cutting-edge technology ready to uncover the
slightest rogue nuke. Russian TV gave its viewers a behind-the-
scenes peak at the technology. Tiny radar screens the size of
today's car GPS systems, with bulky CRT displays; old-style dial
telephones piled on desks; not a computer in sight. The
command center at Prague Airport is far better equipped! Which
raises two questions. Are the Russians mainly offering the
facility because they want U.S. technology? And are the
Americans turning down the offer not only for this reason, but
also because they don't want to admit that, for at least the next
few years, rickety Russian radar is just fine for keeping tabs on
the Iranians? Who are of course even more technologically
backward than the Russians.
[Czech Republic Iran Television RTR United States of America
Letiště Praha missile defense nuclear]
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