Russia activates missile early warning radar system

[Gerald]

Russia has turned on a new incoming missile early warning system in its westernmost region in response to US plans for a missile shield in Europe.President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the system to be activated on a visit to the radar unit in Kaliningrad, a Baltic region bordering EU countries.The unit is equipped with the new Voronezh-DM radar system.Mr Medvedev has warned Russian missiles could be deployed on the EU's borders if the shield is installed.Washington wants an anti-missile shield ready by 2020, arguing that it is necessary to provide protection from the potential missile threat posed by countries like Iran.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15938494

Note: 29 November 2011 Last updated at 14:22 GMT