MissileThreat.com

December 20, 2004 :: Analysis

The Kansas City Star carried a very fine editorial on the need for perseverance despite the “unknown anomaly” which prevented the most recent test from taking place, and putting that minor setback in perspective. An excerpt:

More tests are needed to make sure these rockets will function properly. Yet despite the launch failure, it’s necessary to maintain perspective.
…In a perfect world, the system would not be deployed before the problems are worked out. But even a piecemeal deployment potentially has strategic value. The nation shifts from zero missile defense to some unknown, admittedly imperfect level of defense—but a level of defense an adversary cannot know.
Now, a rogue regime knows with certainty the United States is unable to shoot down a hostile missile. When the system is declared operational, an adversary no longer has any assurance that his warhead cannot be intercepted.
Once an adversary no longer has that guarantee, the equation of risk begins to tip in favor of the United States. That’s why these problems should be worked out….Development may well take much longer than expected, and the cost is high. But given the stakes, it’s hard to assign a price tag. How much is an American city “worth”?

 (Article)

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