June 14, 2007 :: Washington Times :: Analysis
Fredrick Stakelbeck writes for The Washington Times discussing the the emerging ballistic missile threat to the United States from Russia, China and Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has assisted Iran with the development of its missile technology and nuclear program, has recently claimed he may freeze Russia's compliance with the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty and the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty. Russia recently tested a new RS-24 missile which is especially designed to penetrate missile defenses.
The recent Department of Defense report on China's military spending "catalogs in great detail the country's continued efforts to establish not only a defensive ballistic missile capability, but an offensive ‘first strike' capability as well. The expected deployment of additional mobile, land and sea-based ballistic nuclear missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland have raised serious questions in Washington about the county's regional and global intentions." While China has maintained a "no first strike" policy, "other sources suggest that they are possibly developing capabilities for a more flexible use of nuclear weapons that would call into question this declared policy."
Led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran has developed with significant Chinese and Russian assistance, its Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 missiles, which can target Israel and Europe respectively. Iran also has continued its quest to acquire nuclear weapons despite diplomatic efforts to halt its program.
Stakelbeck concludes, "In the meantime, the United States and its allies should consider increasing funding dedicated to the research, development and testing of a more agile anti-missile defense umbrella. By taking this important step, the combined offensive intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities of China, Russia and Iran, as well as rogue nations such as North Korea, will be made increasingly irrelevant." (Article)
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