Russia to design new nano-technology weapons: Commander

Moscow, Nov 13 (UNI) New weapons based on nano-technology will be designed in Russia within 15 years for combating radiation, chemical and biological terrorism, the Commander of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, Colonel-General Vladimir Fillipov announced here today.

''In the conditions of the increasing threat of radiation, chemical and biological terrorism, specialists of the troops take an active part in the development of systems and complexes for ensuring safety of facilities of state importance,'' Mr Filipov told Itar-Tass news agency.

''The result of interaction of the troops with research organisations of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the industry has been the creation of a scientific-technological basis that allows looking with cautious optimism at the development of arms and means of radiation, chemical and biologic defence within 15 years,'' he said.

He expressed the hope that the Programme of Coordination of Work in the Field of Nano-technology and Nano-materials that ''will allow developing advanced arms and means of radiation, chemical and biological defence at a new qualitative level.'' Mr Filippov said the development of a protection system for flight personnel was nearing completion in Russia.

He also said serial production of new means for protection of personnel of the Russia Strategic Missile Troops has started.

UNI