Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin signed a directive allocating an additional $2.6 billion to develop the country's Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) satellite system. GLONASS is the Russian equivalent of the US Global Positioning System (GPS), designed for both military and civilian use1. Reports also noted that Russia could include Cuba and Venezuela as partners to use the system2.

• 1. “Putin Orders Additional 2.6 Billion On Glonass Development,” September 15, 2008, at http://www.gpsdaily.com/reports/Putin_Orders_Additional_Funding_On_Glona...
• 2. “Venezuela, Cuba may join Russian military's navigation system,” September 17, 2008, at http://www.gpsdaily.com/reports/Venezuela_Cuba_may_join_Russian_military...