Pavel Kamnev, 85, has died, the fourth key defence official to perish in less than three weeks.
Russia’s leading rocket specialist was the scientific director of the Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defence Concern and the expert who developed deadly Kalibr missiles deployed by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.
He was responsible for more than 20 weapons inventions and co-author of over 300 scientific and technical reports.
He as well developed deadly Kalibr missiles used in Ukraine.
‘He took an active part in the development of many missile systems,’ said an Almaz-Antey spokesman
In 2016, Putin awards Russia’s rocket specialist with Hero of Labour.
He worked until his death as scientific director of arms giant Almaz-Antey and chairman of Novator experimental design bureau where Kalibr missiles were created.
He lauded Putin for the ‘highest appreciation’ of his missile-making work ‘so that our country can live in peace and security’.
He spoke before his Kalibr missiles were used to decimate infrastructure and civilian targets in Ukraine.