Moscow, Sep 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Russia's advanced military research agency may become operational as early as the end of 2012, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.
The agency will provide support for both -- fundamental research and high-risk projects.
The Russian Foundation for Advanced Research Projects in the Defence Industry will be similar in its purpose to the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the US.
The new body is expected to boost the development of advanced weaponry and help streamline the arms procurement process in Russia.
"I think that we will wrap up all legal procedures by the end of this year and the foundation will start operating," Rogozin, who oversees Russia's defence industry, said in an interview with Rossiiskaya Gazeta to be published Wednesday.