Soviet Hints at ‘Star Wars’ Defense

Chief of Staff Marshal Sergei F. Akhromeyev warned the United States on Monday that the Kremlin could have a surprise response to “Star Wars” that would counter the proposed U.S. space-based nuclear defense system.

Another Soviet official told a news conference there has been no agreement on a date for a second superpower summit between President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev.

Akhromeyev warned the United States it does not hold a monopoly on the scientific and technological means to implement the Strategic Defense Initiative for a space-based nuclear missile defense, popularly known as “Star Wars.”

“If it is necessary, we will find a quick answer and it will not be the way the United States expects it,” he said. “It will be an answer which devalues the ‘Star Wars’ program.”

“The Soviet Union has to carry on fundamental research,” he said adding the Kremlin “can see with confidence effective means for counter action on behalf of the anti-missile defense of the Soviet Union,” he said. “Such measures can be implemented in a timely way. This, in turn, will create the need for the United States to look for a response.”

‘Useless Junk’

Akhromeyev gave no further details, but Soviet military specialists have said they have the technology to render the space-based defensive shield “useless junk” with countersteps, including dummy missiles and coated rockets costing 1% to 2% of the U.S. program. “Star Wars” is expected to cost billions of dollars to research and deploy.

The marshal also admitted that the Soviet Union is constructing two new early warning stations to replace outdated monitoring systems. He said the work is being conducted within the limits of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yuli M. Vorontsov also appeared at the news conference and commented on a report in the Washington Post that Soviet and U.S. officials privately discussed for planning purposes holding a summit between Nov. 17 and Dec. 5.

“No such agreement as regards a final date has been arranged,” he said. “We are in favor of a Soviet-U.S. meeting, but it should end with several agreements in the field of arms control.”

U.S. Officials Accused

He accused U.S. officials of leaking misleading information about negotiations in an attempt to “divert the world public’s attention” from Washington’s negative stance on arms control--specifically “Star Wars” plans and the refusal to join a moratorium on nuclear tests.

“These leakages are clearly designed to confuse people and present the U.S. position in a more favorable light, to hint about their constructive nature when there is nothing constructive there,” he said.

The Kremlin has not replied to Reagan’s response last month to Kremlin arms initiatives, and Vorontsov’s remarks indicated Washington’s reply would not provide the impetus to get stalled arms talks back on track.