Russian Space Forces plan to place a new radar system in the south of Russia on combat duty this year, the commander of the Space Forces said Monday, according to RIA Novosti.

"We plan to place a new radio location system in the south of Russia on combat duty in 2007," Col.-Gen. Vladimir Popovkin said. "We began construction [of the station] in the summer of 2006. The new station will help Russia reduce its dependence on other countries, particularly Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan."

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Russia currently leases radar stations from Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Popovkin also said that the Space Forces also plan to launch an eight-ton satellite in the third quarter of this year at the request of the Russian Defense Ministry. The commander refused to reveal details of the launch.