Russia hints at new 'space threat' defense

MOSCOW, May 15 (UPI) -- A Russian air force officer says Moscow is working on a weapon to counter space-based threats.

Col. Eduard Sigalov indicated in a radio interview Saturday the project involves new technology for protecting Russia against threats, although he offered no details.

"We are developing a fundamentally new weapon that can destroy potential targets in space," said Sigalov, who commands a brigade of Russia's air-and-space defense forces.

It was not clear if the potential targets included satellites or incoming nuclear missiles.

RIA Novosti said Sigalov's 5th Brigade is based near Moscow and currently deploys long-range missiles designed to shoot down planes and cruise missiles.