2010-08-11 22:26

MOSCOW - Russia has deployed an S-300 air defense missile system in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, military officials said Wednesday.

"We have placed an S-300 system in Abkhazia. It will protect the airspace of Abkhazia and South Ossetia," said Gen-Col Alexander Zelenin, commander of the Russian Air Force.

The system "will ensure the security of facilities on Abkhaz territory, while the army's air defense means are primarily responsible for protecting facilities in South Ossetia," said Zelenin, whose remarks were reported by state news agencies.

The systems, capable of destroying aircraft and cruise missile, are also intended, Zelenin said, to "prevent violations of the state borders in airspace."

"The air defense systems in Abkhazia and South Ossetia will shoot down any aircraft entering their air space," Zelenin said.

He also said ensuring the security of Russia's military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia was a comprehensive effort.

"The task of air defense for the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia will be tackled by frontline and army aviation simultaneously," Zelenin said.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia are Georgian breakaway territories recognized by Moscow as independent states in 2008.