Ivanov said that the space- and ground-based system, launched in 1971, was being updated to "operate as effectively as possible in any conditions, so that our radars can cover the whole area in all strategic directions," Interfax reported.

As part of the upgrade, new radars are being installed at strategic points to replace older-generation systems built in territories formerly part of the Soviet Union, but now outside Russia's borders.

The first of these radars has been installed near Saint Petersburg. "Another such radar will be built and placed in southern Russia in the near future," Ivanov said.

The new system will end reliance on older radars located outside Russia in the former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, he was quoted as saying.

The radars take one and a half years to set up, Interfax reported.

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