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Anti-Aircraft Guns to Guard Sochi Olympics

A C-300 surface-to-air missile system, which could be deployed around Sochi, during a recent Victory Day parade

The Russian armed forces will guarantee security at the Sochi Winter Olympics by creating a special anti-aircraft detachment, a senior military official said Monday.

"A special anti-aircraft task force will provide security at all heights, including over the Black Sea, including surface-to-air missile systems and short-range systems," Andrei Yudin, commander of the Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Forces for the Southern Federal District, told journalists at a news conference, Interfax reported.

Yudin said anti-aircraft defenses were currently sufficient but stressed that "during the Olympics it is essential that we are even more reliable."

The Air Force commander didn't specify which anti-aircraft systems the military would deploy.

In March, the Defense Ministry signed a contract with private arms developer Almaz-Antei for C-300 surface-to-air missile systems, three of which are destined for the Southern Federal District, according to Interfax.

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