According to information published by Tass on November 14, 2022, Liana naval space intelligence system will be soon deployed. The Defense Ministry has accepted the first Pion-NKS intelligence satellite and the second one is being discussed.
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Model of the Liana naval space intelligence system (Picture source: Russia Defence Forum)
Liana has been developed from Soviet Legenda system, which monitored US aircraft carrying forces. Liana has to comprise four passive Lotos-S1 intelligence satellites (launched in 2014-2021) and two active Pion-NKS, which will also guide precision weapons.
The Berg Radio Research Institute, the Arsenal Design Bureau, and Progress Center designed the satellites.
Liana satellites monitor the theatre of war at sea and detect hostile warships and submarines. The intelligence provides data on the military activities of foreign countries in various parts of the world.
Of greatest interest are test ranges, airfields, naval bases, nuclear missile infrastructures, strategic enterprises, warship groupings and land forces. According to experts, Liana is not dependent on atmospheric conditions and provides coordinates with an accuracy of 1 to 10 metres.
According to open sources, the satellites operate in a circular orbit of 800 to 900 km. This makes them invulnerable to anti-satellite weapons. Operation in the upper limits of the low-altitude orbit allows monitoring of hostile actions at sea and on the ground and coordination of actions by friendly forces. The system provides guidance for Kalibr cruise missiles, as well as Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles and Tsirkon hypersonic missiles.
