GTK

(GOSTEKHKOMISSII)

   The State Technical Commission, or GTK, is one of the least known components of the Soviet and Russian intelligence services, with the responsibility to foil foreign intelligence collection. It was founded 5 January 1992 out of the Sovietera State Technical Commission to Counter Foreign Intelligence. Its first director was General Yuri Yashin, an experienced KGB officer. The GTK draws expertise from both the military and intelligence services. Its first chief in the Soviet era, Marshall Nikolai Ogarkov, who built the organization, was concerned about the ability of U.S. intelligence satellites to penetrate the Soviet military and military industries.

   See also Maskirovka.