Global GPS satellite network is stated goal of funding additions
Russia will be dramatically increasing its budget for the GLONASS satellite program. The purpose of the funding increase - reported by Russian Federation news agency ITAR-TASS to be 67 billion rubles over an unspecified period of time - is to expand the coverage of the GLONASS network of satellites to cover the entire globe by 2012.
The GLONASS program was originated in the 1970s for use by the Soviet military for navigation and ballistic missile targeting, but has subsequently also been used as a global positioning system that is available to civilian users at no cost.
Upgrades and restoration of the system, which had decayed along with the USSR, have been taking place with cooperation from India since 2004.
It is unclear what the eventual purpose of a worldwide GPS system might be for the Russian Federation, particularly in light of the availability of GPS through the current network of satellites already in orbit. It has been clear, however, that a crucial element of power projection has been the ability to give field and fleet commanders precise navigational and targeting information.
Source: http://arms-tass.su/?page=article&aid=59998&cid=125
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