Russia to Build Global Navigation Satellite System in Palau

Russia has proposed to build the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) ground station in Palau. GLONASS is the Russian counterpart of the United States’ Global Positioning System (GPS) that is being widely used.

Igor Khovaev, the Russian Federation Ambassador to Palau, said their global navigation system is more efficient. He said they need to have ground stations in different parts of the world because it is a global system. Moreover, Palau has a ‘very good’ geographical location.

Khovaev emphasized that the proposed project will only be used for ‘peaceful civilian purposes’ with ‘no military dimension’ involved. “The technology could be used in air and maritime navigation which will be beneficial for both countries.” The Russian diplomat said if the Palaun government gives a positive feedback, a delegation of Russian experts will be visiting Palau for further negotiations and to discuss specific terms and cooperation.

The US is also working with Palau in the installation of maritime domain awareness (MDA) radar systems. It will aid the country in monitoring its 500,000 square-kilometer marine sanctuary by 2020. The US radar system in Kayangel and Angaur states will be completed first.

As of 2010, the GLONASS is the Russian Federal Space Agency’s most expensive programme. It was initially developed by the Soviet Union in 1976.