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Garwin on Missile Defense

Richard Garwin writes in the November edition of the Scientific American on the need for missile defense efforts to be properly directed. He makes a number of good points about the ballistic missile threat, but his opposition to the means by which to meet that threat leaves questions unanswered. First, a summary of his main points: (More »»») 

» Archive of Garwin writings at FAS

» More stories on: Analysis, Policy, Space-Based Systems

» Missile system details for: Brilliant Pebbles, Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)

India Tests Underwater-Launched Missile

India today tested a naval variant of a nuclear capable ballistic missile with a range of 300km. The missile tested has been identified by news sources as a “Prithvi III,” and is said to be the longest range Prithvi tested thus far.
        The missile’s characteristics, however, seem to indicate that it is more likely the missile known as the Dhanush, which itself had been derived from the Prithvi II. The missile launched today is said to have previously been launched from a ship, which is also true of the Dhanush.
        The missile is also said to have the capability to be launched from a submarine. Today’s launch reportedly took place from a specially constructed underwater platform and canister, from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, in the eastern coast state of Orissa, some 230km from the city of Bhubaneswar. The missile landed in the Bay of Bengal.
        Indian and Western news services variously report that the missile consists of a single stage, and the missile reportedly has a length of 8.5 meters (28 ft) and a diameter of 1 meter. While it is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead—described by some reports as “sub kiloton”—it may also carry incendiary or fragmentary munitions. Each of these dimensions and capabilities roughly correspond to those previously assigned to the Dhanush missile. The dimensions of the missile called the “Prithvi III” are not known. The missile may indeed never have been completed.
        It would appear that India may have applied the signification Prithvi III to the missile previously termed Dhanush, or that the news reports are simply inaccurate.
        That the missile tested is in fact the Dhanush is also suggested by an October 9 report by India’s The Statesman, that such a test was planned. (Link) 

» Oct. 9: Dhanush trial expected soon

» More stories on: India, Testing - Foreign

» Missile details: Dhanush, Prithvi-2, Prithvi-3

Activity at North Korean Missile Base

The South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper reports today that American, Japanese, and South Korean governments have observed increased activity at the Chongju missile base some 100km north of Pyongyang. The paper quotes a “high ranking” South Korean government source as saying on October 26 that

Beginning two to three days ago, North Korea has been showing moves that appear to be an attempt to test fire No Dong I and Scud Missiles, including the movement of a Scud missile mobile launcher from a missile base in Chongju, Northern Pyongan Province.

        East Asia Intel reports that U.S. intelligence officials speculate that North Korea could attempt a launch so as to influence the approaching U.S. presidential election.
        The Russian Itar Tass news agency quickly responded to the report with another, well-placed source in the North Korean government, who speculated that missile activity did not likely indicate any missile preparations, but was probably merely designed to be a response to the multi-country naval exercise currently taking place near Japan. The Russian paper quotes the North Korean as noting that, “If the Korean People’s Democratic Republic really intended to launch a missile, it would launch an anti-ship missile as usual from a base located on the Eastern coast."
        North Korea’s Scuds and No Dongs are both believed to be derived from Russian missiles.
        Similar reports of activity at North Korean missile bases also occurred at this time last month. (Link) 

» Sep. 26: Increased activity at North Korean bases

» More stories on: North Korea

» Missile details: No-dong 1, No-dong 2, Scud B variant, Scud C variant

China Denies Galileo Satellites’ Military Purpose

A spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry, Zhang Qiyue, responded to a recent report that the United States had the capability to disarm the E.U-China program, if it should be used in a war against the U.S.
        Zhang Qiyue denied that there were any but peaceful, non-military purposes for the program. She added that, “We hope certain people to abandon the Cold War mentality.”
        As it is used here, one may understand a “Cold War mentality” as that which is concerned with major, strategic threats—or which looks toward strategic advantages and strategic defenses.
        China is no doubt sincere in its wish that the United States cease to be concerned with the strategic threat posed by China. China, meanwhile, will continue to pursue its strategic interests, at the expense of the United States. (Article, Link) 

» Oct. 25: U.S. can disable Chinese-European Galileo GPS satellites

» More stories on: China, Space-Based Systems

General: Reliable BMD May be Years Out

The October 21 edition of Inside the Pentagon includes a story on the delayed deployment of the Alaska and California ground-based midcourse defense (GMD) system.
        The article also discusses the likely operational capability of the system after formal “deployment.” Of particular interest is a quote from a Marine Corps General James Cartwright, Strategic Command chief. Cartwright suggests that even when the system comes on-line, it could be years before an adequate chain-of-command is established, to permit the timely firing of interceptors. The command chain would apparently be similar to that which required for the use of nuclear weapons. The relevant excerpt:

For a period of several more years, the initial system’s capabilities will be tentative, at best, Cartwright conceded in an Oct. 6 interview with ITP. In a real attack, a missile intercept using the fledgling defenses would require what Cartwright calls “the alignment of three consecutive miracles,” when “I happen to have the system on, I happen to have it in a configuration that it could be fired, and maybe I’ve got some percentage chance in confidence that I’ve gotten all the way through all the protocols—probably not.”

        

        To be clear, such command level problems do not constitute any reason to further delay deployment. If it will take some time to work out details, or conduct further testing, this should be done sooner rather than later. And it would be better to have a missile defense system “on” half the time, rather than never. At the same time, it seems patently absurd that such problems should require years to solve. If true, however, Cartwright’s bleak assessment of our operational capability signals a substantial failure of bureaucracy.  (Link) 

» More stories on: Deployment, Policy

» Missile system details for: Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD)

Aegis SM-3 Interceptors Delivered to MDA

Raytheon has begun to deliver to the Missile Defense Agency the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), the interceptor to be deployed on a number of Aegis cruisers, for sea-based missile defense. The delivery was of the first of five interceptors scheduled for delivery this year.
        “Aegis BMD went to sea on Sept. 30, able to track an ICBM and to communicate that information to the Ballistic Missile Defense System. Today we mark the fact that we will soon add firepower to Aegis BMD with the SM-3 missile. It will then be able to participate in the defense of not only the U.S., but of our allies, friends and deployed troops against short-medium range ballistic missiles around the globe,” said Rear Admiral Kathleen Paige, program director Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense. (Article, Link) 

» MDA release on SM-3 delivery

» More stories on: Sea-Based Systems

» Missile system details for: Aegis Ship-Based BMD

Report: U.S. Can Down Sino-European Galileo Satellites

Missilethreat.com has before noted the potential threat to American strategic interests in space posed by the Chinese-European joint space program called “Galileo.” The program is similar to the American Global Positioning System (GPS). Today, however, the AFP reports that the U.S. may acquire the capability to destroy such satellites should they be used against the United States by, for example, China.
        The Galileo program would consist of a constellation of 30 satellites and ground stations, and could become operational in 2008. The design for the network may have included at one point the capability to interfere with America’s own GPS satellites’ ability to communicate with each other.  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: China, Space-Based Systems

Germany to Devote 1.25 Billion for MEADS

Germany will spend some 1.25 billion dollars on ballistic missile defense over the next eight years, reports the Agence France-Presse, primarily on the cooperative U.S.-Germany-Italy program, the Medium Extended Air Defense System, or MEADS, designed to succeed, and eventually replace the current Patriot interceptors based in Germany and elsewhere.
        MEADS is similar to Patriot in that both intercept missiles in their terminal, or descent phase. MEADS will be a successor, and have a longer range, as much as 1,000km. Part of Germany’s funds will go to the order of between 12 and 24 of the MEADS units, according to German lawmaker Hans-Peter Bartels of the governing Social Democrats. The existing Patriot interceptors in Germany would be gradually replaced.
        German and Italian interest in the system reflects a growing shift in opinion, worldwide, that deterrence may fail, and that systems need to be in place for if and when that day comes.  (Article, Link) 

» EADS, Lockheed to cooperate

» More stories on: Allies

» Missile system details for: Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS)

Status of Russian Strategic Forces

Pavel Podvig, editor of Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces, reports that exchange data under the START Treaty was released earlier this month, updating the number and type of Russia’s deployed ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads. Currently, Russia is said to have some 874 “delivery platforms,” fielding some 3885 large, strategic, nuclear warheads.
       Some 315 SS-25 (Topol) road-mobile missiles are now deployed, though their numbers will be diminishing. Some 15 SS-24 rail-mobile missiles are said to have been decommissioned in the past year, as well as a few “heavy” SS-18s.
        While the older missiles are phased out, newer ones replace them. Most importantly the new and advanced SS-27 (Topol-M) missiles continue to be deployed in silos. Four SS-27s are expected to be deployed in December 2004, and an additional ten in 2005-2006. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia

» Missile details: SS-18 Mod 4, SS-24, SS-25, SS-27

Iran Again Tests Shahab-3

Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani announced that Iran had today again tested an upgraded version of its Shahab-3 ballistic missile, in the presence of observers. Shamkhani would not comment on the specific range or the location of the test, but Iran has previously claimed that the “strategic” missile has a range of 2,000km; Iran’s IRNA news agency last month quoted former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani that Iran possessed that capability. Such a range not only threatens Israel, but also U.S. bases in the region and parts of Europe. Rafsanjani also commented at the time, “Experts know that a country that possesses this [range] can obtain all subsequent stages in missile production.”
        On October 7, Nasser Maleki, the deputy director of Iran’s aerospace industry organization, commented that “Very certainly we are going to improve our Shahab-3 and all of our other missiles.”
        Iran’s ballistic missile development has been steady, and not without foreign help. The recent upgrades to the Shahab-3 are believed to be due in part to Chinese assistance, including a more accurate guidance system and an improved warhead more suited to carryign chemical weapons. Hours after today’s test, the Moscow News carried a piece boasting that the Iranian Shahab-3, and the North Korean No-Dong from which it was partly derived, both employ Russian missile technology. (Article, Link) 

» Iran’s Revolutionary Guard acquiring greater control

» Oct. 20: Moscow News: Russian missile tech used for Iranian, North Korean advances

» More stories on: Iran, North Korea, Proliferation, Russia, Testing - Foreign

» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4

Egyptian Party Official: Use Missiles Against Los Angeles

A recent statement on Al-Jazeera television by the Secretary-General of the Egyptian Labor Party should serve as a reminder about those who seek to acquire ballistic missiles:

Those who bomb Fallujah cannot prevent me from bombing Los Angeles. Why Fallujah? Why do we always feel inferior to them? What is the meaning of this inferiority complex? If we had missiles we should have bombed Los Angeles or any other city until they stopped bombing Fallujah, Samarra, and Ramadi.

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Terrorism

General: Russia, U.S. Geopolitical Adversaries

The Russian Nezavisimaya Gazeta newspaper carries an article describing how Russia suspects, despite disavowals by the United States, that the missile defense system currently being deployed will eventually be used as a defense against Russian missiles. Russia’s concern that the United States would try to defend itself stems from their desire to retain the strategic stranglehold which Russia’s offensive nuclear arsenal provides, over the exercise of American power. Russia’s position could be diminished, if the United States chooses to abandon the policy of vulnerability as a means to achieve security.
        If only Russia’s paranoia were well-placed; if only it were true that the defenses which are currently being deployed will at some later date, constitute a larger, and indeed “strategic defense.” This is palpably not the case with the limited capabilities now being deployed, but Russia is concerned that it might someday take place. There is much reason to believe that the defenses are not on track, at least in any timely sense, of becoming strategically relevant.
        Russia’s concern stems from a natural, perhaps correct, assessment that Russia and the United States are not friends or allies, but rivals. A statement by Russian Colonel General Leonid Ivashov is particularly noteworthy: “We remain for the United States a geopolitical rival and, incidentally, it may boldly be asserted, an adversary.”  (Link) 

» More stories on: Russia

Patriot Offered to India

The U.S. is giving India the opportunity to purchase the Patriot air and missile defense system. The offer came during a visit by Asst. Sec. of State Christina Rocca visit to discuss the U.S.-Indian “strategic partnership.”
        News reports suggest that the sale may be part of an attempt to convince India to join the larger American missile defense effort. It is unclear what role India might have. While the Patriot is of modest value against medium and longer range missiles, India could perhaps be a useful basing location for missiles launched from either Iran, Pakistan, or China, depending on the missile’s target.
        The report is not the first word of a possible Patriot sale to India. Congressman Crowley urged the same in May of this year.
        Russia has also offered to sell India their comparable system, the S-300. (Article, Link) 

» May 25, 2004: Crowley urges PAC-3 sale to India

» Feb. 5, 2004: Russia offers India S-300V

» More stories on: India

» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)

Iraq Nuclear Sites Systematically Dismantled

The Associated Press and other news agencies have reported that a number of Iraqi nuclear sites show evidence of having been systematically emptied, and their materials removed. The removal apparently took place even after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and continued through 2004.
        The Duelfer report, released last week, also suggested that large quantities of materials, possibly weapons of mass destruction related, had gone to Syria before the war began.
        These revelations again point to the possibility that Iraqi weapons of mass destruction did in fact exist, and may yet be found. But their removal serves to significantly undermine the rationale for the war, and the impetus for future preemptive strikes against, for example, Iran and North Korea.
        News of the removal comes alongside the annoucement that the Russian-supported nuclear reactor in Iran is now complete.  (Article, Link) 

» Oct. 14, 2004: Iran nuclear reactor now complete

» More stories on: Iran, Iraq, Nuclear Weapons

Iran Deploys Scud Missiles on Ships

Citing U.S. officials, Middle East Newsline today reports that Iran has deployed a number of short-range and medium-range Scud ballistic missiles aboard cargo vessels, and equipped them to be launched from the ships. The ships are said to be stationed in the northern Persian Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz. The officials also said that Iran began deployment of ship-based missiles in 1997, and that several such vessels are already so equipped. (Link) 

» Aug. 18, 2004: Rumsfeld again warns of danger by ship launched missile

» Oct. 24, 2002: Wolfowitz warns of ship launched threat

» Oct. 21, 2004: Rumsfeld on rogue state test of ship-launched missile

» More stories on: Iran, Ship-Launched Threat

» Missile details: Scud B variant, Scud C variant

China to Purchase Additional S-300 Interceptors

China is proceeding with the planned purchase of 4-8 battalions of S-300 systems from Russia, reports Jane’s. The S-300 (SA-10/20) purchase confirms an earlier report noted here over a month ago. It is unclear whether the purchase would be the S-300PMU1 or the more advanced S-300PMU2, which has a longer range missile and better radar. (Link) 

» Aug. 12: Russia ships China four S-300PMU1 systems

» More stories on: China, Chinese Missile Defenses, Russia, Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: S-300P (SA-10 Grumble)

Iskander (SS-X-26) to be Deployed in 2005

Russia will likely deploy an Iskander missile brigade in 2005, according to a recent report in the October edition of Janes Missiles and Rockets. The Iskander, also known as “Tender,” is apparently for Russian use, as distinct from the Iskander E, for foreign export. The Russian version may have a range of 400km, a 480kg payload capacity, whereas the export version has a reported maximum range of 280km. A prominent feature of the Iskander missiles is their ability to be retargeted during flight, permitting greater accuracy. (Link) 

» Picture of Iskander

» More stories on: Russia

» Missile details: SS-26

S-75 (SA-2) Missiles May Become Targets for Russian Missile Defenses

Russian S-75 air defense interceptors may have their more primitive liquid-fueled engines replaced by newer and more sophisticated “scramjet” engines, which will allow them to serve as future targets for Russian missile defense tests, reports Interfax, citing a “source in the Russian defence industry.”
        “With the scramjets installed, the missile’s flight will become stable in terms of speed and altitude and the range and the cruising speed will increase,” the source is quoted as saying, adding that the missile will be capable of flying at twice the speed of sound, and have an extended range of 70 km even at low altitudes. The improved missile targets are said to likely attract other customers as well, perhaps foreign. The S-75 has been widely proliferated around the world; some S-75 missiles were recently discovered in Iraq; a number had been used against American troops in the first Gulf War. The S-75 or SA-2 is the interceptor which shot down Gary Powers’ U-2 plane. Some 120 sites armed with the S-75 may still be operational across Russia.
         In the article, Russia is called the leader in scramjet technology. The recent American X-43 hypersonic test also employed a scramjet engine. Scramjet technology has also been suggested as a possible means by which Russian warheads could evade future American missile defenses. (Article, Link) 

» S-75 among other systems tested in Russian military exercise

» More stories on: Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: S-75 (SA-2 Guideline)

Pakistan Tests Hatf-5 on Anniversary of Musharraf Coup

Pakistan has again conducted a test of its medium range, nuclear capable Hatf-5 (Ghauri) ballistic missile, its fourth missile test this year. The tested missile had a reported range of 1,500 km, but other reports have assigned a range of 1,800 km or more. The military stated that the test was completely successful. The test coincides with the fifth anniversary of General Musharraf’s 1999 seizure of power, a bloodless coup after which he later declared himself president.
        The military release about the test conspicuously named the Hatf-5 as being “indigenously” produced, but Pakistan is of course believed to have had extensive help from both China and North Korea in its missile programs. A former Prime minister of Pakistan has admitted North Korean assistance. The missile is believed to be based on the North Korean No Dong.
        An ISPR [Inter-Services Public Relations] press release reportedly states that “The successful flight test bears testimony to the fact that the Ghauri Weapon System is based on the highest standards of scientific and technological advancements.”
        The Hatf-5 was tested twice earlier this year, on May 29 and June 4. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Pakistan, Testing - Foreign

» Missile details: Hatf 5A, Hatf 5

Japan Joining Missile Defense Initiative

Japan will likely soon officially state its joining the American led effort for missile defenses, in part due to its concerns about neighboring North Korea, reports the Washington Times. Japan will do so despite the need to revise previous statutory prohibitions on the export of weapons systems which might prohibit joint work on such defenses. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, Japan

Analysis: History of Bulava SS-N-30

Viktor Litovkin, described as a military analyst with Ria Novosti, writes on the status of Russia’s newest ICBM, the SS-N-X-30, or Bulava (“Mace”). Litovkin notes the genesis of the Bulava in the 1990s, and the building of a new type of nuclear submarine to accommodate it. Future submarines will be armed with the Bulava, which Litovkin notes is, for all intents and purposes, now ready to go. The recent underwater test of the missile on September 23 marks “a significant event for Russia’s Navy and military-industrial sector,” according to Litovkin. (More »»») 

» More stories on: Analysis

» Missile details: SS-NX-30

NYT Swipes at Missile Defense

An editorial in today’s New York Times attacks the missile defense system soon to be deployed as “exorbitantly wasteful,” and having as its primary aim, base political objectives, namely reelection.
        The Times admits there is a threat: “There is no disputing the idea that North Korea or some other rogue nation might someday present a nuclear missile threat.” Yet the Times recites the tired argument that deployment is undesirable unless it can be perfect, and that, barring perfection, deployment constitutes a “rush” towards a “faith-based” defense.
        The Pentagon argues that the testing has been adequate, and that more testing is on the way. Indeed, the Alaska system was designed by the Clinton administration and is now being implemented as a “test bed,” a location from which further, more realistic, tests will be conducted. If it is indisputable that a rogue nation will soon pose a missile threat to the U.S., just how long are we supposed to wait before actually doing something about it?
        Of course, the most “realistic” test would involve an actual attack on America by a ballistic missile. Had such an attack already taken place, the issue would be moot, and the political parties tripping over each other about who would more quickly deploy a robust defense, to prevent such an attack from ever taking place again.
        Barring the clarity of hindsight which catastrophe can bring, it remains all too easy to drone on irresponsibly, looking for this or that reason to delay deployment in favor of more “research and development.” The testing argument is not now, and has never been, the central question in the missile defense debate. Were there a glut of superfluous testing, the opponents of missile defense would effortlessly shift to another objection.
        To be clear: if more testing is needed, more testing should be done. But there is no satisfactory argument for prolonging one minute longer our decades long vulnerability to missile attack.  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, Policy

Fifth-Generation S-400 to Incorporate S-300V Interceptor

Russia’s newest missile defense system, the Samoderzhets, a variant of the S-400, may incorporate an interceptor which is currently used by the proven S-300V system, according to the Vremya Novostei Russian newspaper, cited by Jane’s Missiles and Rockets. The Samoderzhets or “Autocrat” system is said to be “fifth-generation,” one step beyond the “fourth-generation,” and currently state-of-the-art S-400 interceptor. The Samoderzhets is apparently not Russia’s most advanced system coming—another system is expected in 2012—but may rather be for export.
       Specifically, the Samoderzherts system may use the same 9M96 and 9M96/2 missile interceptors currently deployed on the S-400, as well as the logner range 9M82M interceptor used by the S-300VM. The 9M82M interceptor is said to have a maximum range of 200km and can intercept ballistic missiles with a reentry speed of 4.5km per second. (Link) 

» More stories on: Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: S-300V (SA-12A Gladiator, SA-12B Giant), S-400 (SA-20 Triumf)

Duelfer Report: Russia Aided Iraq Missile Programs

According to a report recently presented to the U.S. Congress by U.S. weapons inspector Charles Duelfer, Russian engineers were traveling to Iraq to aid Saddam Hussein’s missile program from 1999 and 2003. Hussein had requested Russian help and missile systems—and in some cases received them. North Korea also helped Iraq develop its Al-Samoud 2 missiles.
        In addition, the report notes that Iraq wanted to acquire the Russian air defense system, the S-300, apparently via a son of former Syrian Defense Minister Mustafah. The report did however say that an Iraqi engineer had “gained access” to an S-300 system.

An excerpt of the report:

• ISG uncovered evidence that technicians and engineers from Russia reviewed the designs and assisted development of the Al Samud II during its rapid evolution. ISG also found that Iraq had entered into negotiations with North Korean and Russian entities for more capable missile systems.
• According to contract information exploited by ISG, Iraq imported at least 380 SA-2/Volga [a.k.a., S-75] liquid-propellant engines from Poland and possibly Russia or Belarus. While Iraq claims these engines were for the Al Samud II program, the numbers involved appear in excess of immediate requirements, suggesting they could have supported the longer range missiles using clusters of SA-2 engines. Iraq also imported missile guidance and control systems from entities in countries like Belarus, Russia and Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY).

 (Article, Link) 

» Key Findings of Duelfer Report

» Vol. 2 of Duelfer Report, on Iraqi missile systems and nuclear programs

» More stories on: Former Soviet Republics, Proliferation, Russia

» Missile details: Al Samoud

» Missile system details for: S-75 (SA-2 Guideline), S-300V (SA-12A Gladiator, SA-12B Giant)

MDA Launches Rocket to Test Sensors

The Missile Defense Agency recently launched a test rocket to test the tracking abilities of the emerging, and soon to be operationally deployed missile defense system. The Agency recently reported that on September 29, a suborbital rocket which launched and made to simulate a missile launched by an undisclosed “emerging threat.” The missile was launched from Wake Island and flew 606 miles with a mock warhead, a sensor package, and various missile defense-related experiments. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Testing - American, Detection and Tracking

Rademaker: Deployment “Within Weeks”

Stephen G. Rademaker, assistant secretary of state for arms control, recently commented that the ballistic missile interceptors in Alaska are expected to enter service in the “nearest weeks,” according to a report by the Russian Interfax news agency. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Deployment

Iran: Missiles Can Now Hit Europe

Iran is increasing its already much-publicized claims for its Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 missiles, which it continues to test and upgrade. This past week, Iran reported again that the Shahab-4 missile has a range of some 2,000 km, and that parts of Europe are now within range. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Iran

» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4

87% of Ohio Residents Support Missile Defense

A poll conducted by Public Strategies, Inc., indicates that some 87% of likely Ohio voters support missile defense. The poll was sponsored by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Some of the other findings:

• 87% of Ohio residents support missile defense
• 64% believe it is a top priority
• 76% believe it is money well spent
• 79% would rather have some defense then none
• 73% would more likely vote for a candidate that supports Missile Defense
• 24% believe missile defense should not be deployed until further testing
• 28% believe a greater emphasis be put on non-proliferation treaties and buy back programs

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Policy

Taiwan Readies Cruise Missile to Deter Beijing

Taiwan is reading a test launch of a new land atttack cruise missile, designed to help deter Chinese aggression against the island nation by offering a potential retaliation agaisnt targets such as Shanghai, reports East Asia Intel. The cruise missile has a reported range of 900 km. The missile could offer some limited balance to the 600 or more short-range ballistic missiles which China has already deployed off the coast of Taiwan.
        Li Weiyi, spokesman for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, reacted angrily to the reported missile: “This kind of belligerent provocation has exposed that the Taiwan authorities are not really for peace but for Taiwan independence.”  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Taiwan

Canadian Majority Supports BMD

A recent Pollara poll found that a majority of Canadians favor Canadian cooperation in the American-led missile defense programs to defend North America.
        The poll comes about a week after Canadian Defense Minister Graham publicly called for Canada to join the American-led effort.  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, Policy

Poll: 62% Support Missile Defense; Only 29% Oppose

A recent Newsweek poll conducted after the latest presidential debate found, among other things, that some 62% of registered voters support “The proposal to build an anti-missile shield to protect the United States from a nuclear attack.” The issue of missile defense appeared, briefly, in the debate, with President Bush referring to his strong support for it, and Senator Kerry’s opposition. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Policy

Spring on Long Awaited Deployment

Baker Spring of the Heritage Foundation writes on the exciting time for missile defense efforts, with the expected deployment in the coming weeks.

This great victory for the American people—and make no mistake, it is a historic achievement and means the federal government will have begun to meet its obligation to defend us to the best of its ability—comes not a moment too soon. The weapons arrayed against us now may not be as potentially destructive or as numerous as during the Cold War, but the threat of a highly destructive missile attack on the U.S. mainland is almost certainly higher

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Deployment

Hackett: “Dawn of a New Era”

James T. Hackett has a fine article in today’s Washington Times on the expected operational deployment of ground based interceptors in Alaska in the coming days. Today, October 1, is the 29th anniversary of the only previous operational missile defenses in America, the nuclear tipped “Spartan” and “Sprint” interceptors briefly stationed at Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1975, to defend the Minuteman ICBM field located there.
        Hackett also reminds us that it was Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts who led the successful charge to close the base shortly after it was deployed, which it was, by February of 1976. If Senator Kerry is elected as president, history could well repeat itself, with the Alaska system in one manner or another being taken offline shortly after his inauguration.  (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, Deployment

Russia to Purchase Four New ICBMs in 2005

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov reported today that Russian plans to purchase an additional four ICBMs in the coming year to maintain “parity” and the Russian national interest. The Chinese Xinhau news agency quotes Ivanov as saying that with respect to the new missiles, “The number of nuclear warheads is not important.”
        The identity of the missiles which will be added to Russia’s Strategic Rocket Forces in 2005 was not given, but it is likely a reference to either the land-launched SS-27 (Topol-M) or its sea-launched counterpart, the SS-N-30 Bulava). (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia

» Missile details: SS-27, SS-NX-30