§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's current assessment of the efficacy of Russia's missile defence system around Moscow; what is the extent of the geographical area protected by that system; and what is his assessment of Russia's future modernisation plans for that system. [24598]
§ Mr. George RobertsonWe assess that the Moscow Anti Ballistic Missile system comprising the short range GAZELLE and longer range GORGON interceptors remains operational and effective. The range of GORGON extends to several hundred kilometres. Deployment of any significant upgrades in the near future appears unlikely.