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Trident II D5 Achieves Record 120 Successful Test Launches In A Row

On November 30, the U.S. Navy successfully test launched a Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean, the U.S.S. Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730). The latest test marks the 120th consecutive successful test launch since 1989 giving the Trident the best record of any large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle. The three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided missile is currently aboard 12 U.S. Trident II Ohio-class submarines and four U.K. Trident II Vanguard-class submarines. It has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and carries multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles.

Lockheed Martin, which produces the missile, was awarded a major contract to continue producing the Trident II D5 on November 26. (Article, Link) 

» Lockheed Martin wins $849 million missile contract

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» Missile details: Trident D-5

Russia: SS-21 Scarab Missiles Test Fired

The November 28 edition of RIA Novosti reports that a Russian missile brigade from Siberia test fired two SS-21 Scarab short range ballistic missiles in the Kapustin Yar testing range. The SS-21 or Scarab, also referred to as the "Tochka-U" in Russia, is a single-warhead, road-mobile ballistic missile.  Russia is phasing out the SS-21 missiles, which it has used since 1976, and replacing them with the new Iskander-M missiles (SS-26/Stone) which carry multiple warheads. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, Testing - Foreign

» Missile details: SS-21 A, SS-21 B

Iran Announces New Ballistic Missile

On November 27, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar announced that Iran had developed a new ballistic missile called the Ashoura, with a range of 2,000 kilometers.  It is unclear whether the Ashoura is indeed a new missile or a variation of the current Shahab-3, and Najjar did not say how the new weapon differed from the Shahab-3, which Iran has also previously claimed to have a range of 2,000km.  With a range of 2,000 kilometers, the Ashoura missile could target Israel, U.S. assets in the Persian Gulf, and parts of eastern and southern Europe.

Mark Fitzpatrick, a weapons expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, said, "I think it's a pretty strong likelihood that Iran has received technology that has extended the range of their missiles, and maybe the development of a whole new missile with a longer range." Israeli experts said that unlike the Shahab series, the Ashoura uses a multi-stage, solid-fuel engine that would make it especially effective for long-range strategic use.

Iran unveiled another new missile, Ghadr-1, with a range of 1,800 km at a military parade in September and, at that time, referred to the Shahab-3 as having a range of just 1,300 km.  Najjar also said a new Iranian-built submarine would be delivered to the navy on Wednesday. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Iran

» Missile details: Shahab-3

Japan Plans Patriot PAC-3 Drills in Tokyo

On November 25, the Japanese Defense Ministry announced it will conduct Patriot (PAC-3) missile deployment exercises at about 10 locations in Tokyo to test how the capital could be defended from a ballistic missile attack.  The exercises are meant to determine the best locations for Japan's Self Defense Forces (SDF) missile defense units, which would be activated and deployed in Tokyo in the event of an emergency.

Currently, the only deployed PAC-3 interceptors are 40 kilometers away from downtown Tokyo, at the Iruma Air Base.  The interceptors' 15-20 kilometer range would therefore be insufficient to protect possible targets such as the Prime Minister's office, the Diet and the Imperial Palace. The government would rely on early warning technology to immediately deploy missile interceptors to the new sites in the Tokyo to protect the central part of the city.

Japan's layered missile defense systems involve a blend of sea-based assets including Aegis-equipped destroyers and ground based PAC-3 interceptors. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Japan

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

Russia Responds to U.S. Offer on Missile Defense

Recent American proposals have been sent to Russia concerning the Poland and Czech Republic missile defense sites.  The American proposals included a "delay[ed] activation of the missile defence system until Washington and Moscow were in agreement on 'definitive proof' of missile threats from Iran or elsewhere...[and] a plan to station Russian liaison officers at proposed US missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic, as long as the host countries agreed to this."

Itar Tass reports that Russia is however dissatisfied with these U.S. proposals. An unnamed Foreign Ministry source is quoted as saying, "They have sent concrete proposals. We are continuing to study them, but our first impression is that they do not meet our expectations. This is not what was promised orally [in recent talks with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates]." The comments contrast sharply with Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments from November 22, in which he said, "our concerns are being listened to." Russia opposes the current U.S. plan to base ten Ground Based Interceptors in Poland and an X-band radar in the Czech Republic. Moscow believes the missile defense system is meant to diminish its nuclear strategic deterrent and not, as the U.S. claims, to defend against possible missile attacks from the Middle East. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: European Missile Defenses, Russia

Japanese Destroyer Successfully Completed Tracking Exercise

Lieutenant General Trey Obering, head of the Missile Defense Agency, and Japanese Rear Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano announced on November 16 the successful completion of a tracking exercise of the Japanese Destroyer JS Kongo.  The Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai launched a target missile, which was tracked by the JS Kongo's 3.6 Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.  The destroyer then simulated the launch of a Standard Missile-3 Block IA interceptor.  The JS Kongo is scheduled to conduct an actual intercept test in December. (Article, Link) 

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China Commission: Chinese Tech Spying Forms Major Threat

The annual report by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, released to the public November 15, notes that Chinese spies are stealing a considerable quantity of critical U.S.-developed technologies, which are being used to upgrade Chinese manufacturing practices and their military.  Daniel Blumenthal, the commission's vice chair, is quoted as saying that China's military buildup exceeds most U.S. estimates, which is "causing a lot of surprise" among government and private analysts.  The report discusses the "emotionally charged standoff" between China and Taiwan, and warns that the U.S. may have to intervene in a conflict between the two states and face China's rapidly expanding and technologically advanced armed forces. (Article, Link) 

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Hackett on the X-Band Radar

Writing for the November 15 edition of The Washington Times, James Hackett discusses the progress made on the Sea-Based X-band radar (SBX). The SBX is designed "to detect and track ballistic missiles more effectively and provide targeting information to both ground- and sea-based interceptors. The power and precision of its beam improves the ability of the interceptor to distinguish warheads from decoys and other penetration aids." Indeed, the radar is so powerful it can "track an object the size of a baseball over the East Coast." The SBX's usual position is Adak in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, however the radar is mobile, and has moved by its own power around the Pacific for various missile tests.

Hackett also notes that, in 1998, a prototype of the X-band radar "was installed on Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific ... as the primary fire control radar for the Pacific missile test range." It is a similar X-band radar that the U.S. is planning to locate in the Czech Republic as part of a new missile defense in Europe.

Hackett concludes by noting: "As missile and nuclear technology spread to more countries, possibly even to terrorist groups, it is in Russia's own security interest to join Europe and America in creating a common defense. And it is Congress' responsibility to approve the funds needed to base the X-band radar and interceptors in Europe." (Article, Link) 

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» Missile system details for: Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX)

Russia May Deploy Iskander Missiles to Belarus, Could Boost Range in Excess of INF Treaty Limits

As reported by the Russian news service Itar-Tass, on November 14 Major-General Vladimir Zaritsky, head of Russia's artillery and missile forces, said Russia may deploy its newest Iskander missiles in Belarus as a response to the U.S.'s plan to place a limited missile defense system in Eastern Europe.  There are two versions of the Iskander, the Iskander-E (which has been exported to many countries), and the Tender, which is for use by the Russian military.  The domestic version for the Russian military has a longer range.

Zaritsky said that the Iskanders were currently in-line with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty of 1987, but emphasized that "Should Russia take a political decision to quit the INF treaty, we will boost the military capabilities of these missiles, including their range."  Asked whether Russia may eventually increase Iskander's range in excess of the 500 km limit of the INF treaty, Zaritsky responded: "Who knows what the motherland may order?" (Article, Link) 

» No Russian Medium-Range Missiles to be Deployed in Belarus

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» Missile details: SS-26

India Plans Additional Prithvi Intercept Tests

Following a successful intercept exo-atmospheric test in November, India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced it will conduct an endo-atmospheric test of its Prithvi Air Defense (PAD-1) anti-ballistic missile system this month.  The Prithvi missile interceptor is a converted indigineous ballistic missile.  India hopes to deploy its missile defense system, which it is developing with help from Israel, by 2015.  The test will use an Israeli Green Pine Radar, and will intercept a target at 25 kilometers within the atmosphere. Two more exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric tests are planned before the missile system is ready for induction into the Indian Defence Forces, DRDO scientists said. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: India

Franks: Missile Defense Should Be Top Priority

Writing for The Hill, Congressman Trent Franks responds to the recent change of heart on the need to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe by Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, chair of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee.  Previously, in Washington and on a congressional trip to the Czech Republic, Tauscher had supported the missile defense system in Europe to defend against a limited missile attack from Iran. "The U.S. intelligence community's current estimate is that Iran is five to 10 years away from developing such a capability...plainly, this is a very serious threat about which we must be vigilant... A GMD system deployed in Europe could help deter a potential Iranian long-range ballistic missile threat if one emerges." 

While the Strategic Forces subcommittee did cut some of the funds directed to the site, Tauscher was careful to note, "We did not say no. What we said is we have fiscal priorities...We encourage the talks to continue...we are dealing on a margin of weeks and months.  Not years." She stated that once Poland and the Czech Republic ratified the agreement, the two countries could expect a receptive and cooperative Congress.

Franks was "disturbed," however, by Tauscher's subsequent and abrupt change on the issue.  Writing in the November 8 edition of Defense News, Tauscher called on the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to "work harder at protecting deployed U.S. troops against current missile threats with proven technology and ‘pull-back' from science projects such as the European missile defense site."

From this Franks concludes:

I look forward to seeing the final marks for the defense authorization bill, and in particular, the language associated with the European Site. There is so much at stake here. As I have said before, missile defense is not only our last line of defense for an incoming ballistic missile, it is also our first line of defense to counter missile proliferation because it devalues these weapons as offensive military assets, which may ultimately keep nuclear technology in general out of the hands of terrorist-friendly nations. It is my hope Ms. Tauscher both substantiates her claims to support this critical defense initiative, and helps to lead our colleagues during conference to support our allies in Poland and the Czech Republic.

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, European Missile Defenses

PINR on Israel's Proposed Iron Dome Defenses

The November 9 edition of Power and Interest News Report provides a detailed analysis of the Israeli Iron Dome project and its relationship with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The Iron Dome is a planned missile defense system specifically designed to intercept short-range Katyusha and Qassam missiles. The article argues that without an effective defense against short range missiles, peace between the two sides will remain illusive.

Katyusha and Qassam rockets are easily manufactured, costing only several dollars to build. While not particularly lethal, the rockets inflict a serious toll on the Israeli public.

Katyusha rocket makes up 90 percent of Hezbollah's rocket arsenal and has a range of approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles)... During July-August 2006, Hezbollah fired approximately 4,000 Katyusha rockets into Israel, killing 51 Israelis and seriously wounding another 250. Rockets destroyed or severely damaged 2,000 homes, while between 100,000-250,000 civilians fled, at least temporarily, from the north to other parts of Israel. Qassam rockets... are less destructive than Katyushas and have a general range of only three to ten kilometers (1.8-6.2 miles), they are cheap and easy to make, making them the weapon of choice for militants launching attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip... Qassams have had their most significant impact on the town of Sderot... One third of Sderot's children suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a survey carried out last year, while around half of the population of Sderot has left the town since the rocket attacks intensified.

Militarily, as air strikes have been ineffective in stopping the rocket attacks, military leaders are left with the prospect of reoccupying the Gaza strip or other territories to halt the attacks. So long as the missile attacks continue, the likelihood of war increases and the prospects for peace diminish. Therefore, former Prime Minister and current Defense Minister Ehud Barak argues for the Iron Dome which could remove the threat of rocket attacks from the political equation as negotiations continue. However, the Iron Dome faces significant technical and economic challenges.

It will have to be able to identify the launch of a rocket, analyze the data and feed it to the intercepting missile for launch, all within 20 seconds, the flight time of a Qassam. While it may be possible to surmount the technological obstacles to achieving this, it may not be possible to do so at a reasonable cost... Each interceptor missile will cost between $30,000 and $50,000. The rockets that they will intercept, however, cost only a few dollars to make. Some analysts fear that reliance on Iron Dome may lead to a costly arms race, in which Palestinian militants and Hezbollah would have the advantage.

While the system would be costly to maintain, advocates state it would be less expensive than a prolonged war with the Palestinians and the cost of rebuilding damaged areas of the country. Additionally, if Israelis are confident in the effectiveness of their missile defense system, they may be more willing to make the territorial concessions necessary to create a Palestinian state.

The article concludes, "An anti-rocket system will have to form just one part of Israel's broader defenses against irregular warfare if it is to provide Israel with the security needed to allow it to make the territorial compromises that are probably necessary for peace."
 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, Israel

South Korea Develops Laser Weapons

The November 10 edition the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reports that the South Korean Defense Ministry is researching and developing a mobile, truck-mounted laser weapon. The weapon, scheduled to be deployed sometime after 2010, would intercept North Korean missiles or long-range artillery shells.  It is unclear whether this sort of system might resemble the former joint THEL program of the United States and Israel. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: South Korea

» Missile system details for: Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL)

IBD: Missile Defense Before It's Too Late

A November 7 editorial by Investor's Business Daily challenges the position of the Democratic Congress, which recently slashed $85 million from a planned missile defense site in Poland.  Investor's Business Daily notes that Congress is undermining our best line of defense just when missile defense systems are demonstrating growing sophistication and reliability and the threats to our security are at their greatest.  These improvements are displayed in the landmark November 6 test when an Aegis Cruiser intercepted two missiles. Missile defense is critical in a world of nuclear proliferation among highly unstable states. Not only Iran and North Korea could threaten the U.S., but possibly Pakistan, which "could become an enemy depending on how its internal turmoil is resolved. Both al-Qaida and the Taliban have powerful bases in the region." Additionally, "It's just as plausible that the threat could come from... Mideast nations that want to keep up with Iran's nuclear program. With Egypt making its announcement last week, there are now 13 countries in the region that have in the last year said they want nuclear power." Investor's Business Daily concludes, "Since they hold the majority in Congress and might also take the White House next year, Democrats owe the nation more forward thinking on matters of national security. Missile defense is not a mere political issue to be used to score points. It's at the core of a real life-and-death struggle." (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, Budget

Poll: Czech Support for Radar Support Would Grow with Security Guarantees

A Factum Invenio poll of 1018 Czech adults revealed that although 70 percent of Czechs remain opposed to stationing a U.S. X-band radar in the country, 55 percent would support to the plan if the Czech Republic received increased security guarantees and that the system would not have a negative impact on the environment and on people's health.  Some 49 percent said they would support the plan if it did not infringe on the Czech Republic's sovereignty and 48 percent said they would support the plan provided the municipalities surrounding the facility received financial compensation.  Another 43 percent of respondents said they would support the radar station if it were included in NATO's system. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, European Missile Defenses

Aegis Intercept Successful; Two Targets Destroyed

On November 6, the Missile Defense Agency announced another successful test of the sea-based Aegis missile defense system.  This test was the first simultaneous "hit-to-kill" interception of two unitary "non-separating"  targets.  The test was conducted off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, and with the participation of Japan.

At approximately 6:12 p.m., the missile range facility in Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii launched a short-range ballistic missile target. Moments later, the facility launched a second, identical missile. The U.S.S. Lake Erie's Aegis BMD Weapon System detected and tracked the targets, and then fired two SM-3 Block IA missiles, which intercepted the missiles.  A Japanese destroyer also participated in the test. The J.S. Kongo conducted long-range surveillance and tracking, which should prepare it for what will be the first ballistic missile intercept test by a Japanese ship scheduled for later this year.

This test, designated Flight Test Standard Missile-13 (FTM-13), is the 32nd and 33rd successful "hit-to-kill" intercepts since 2001 (including tests by Ground Based Interceptors, Patriot PAC-3, THAAD, and Aegis).  It also marks the tenth and eleventh successful intercepts, of thirteen targets in twelve scheduled flight tests for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program, a sea-based component of the Agency's broader ballistic missile defense system. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Testing - American

» Missile system details for: Aegis Ship-Based BMD

Feulner: Defending missile defense

Ed Feulner, President of the Heritage Foundation, discusses the shifting arguments against missile defense systems in the November 6 edition of the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review.  In the past, politically-minded scientists have speculated that missile defense would not work, that the technology did not exist.  In today's environment where missile defense testing has considerably improved, many of the same missile defense opponents are now changing position, and are now suggesting that missile defenses will be too effective.

An Associated Press story last month quoted six scientists who "are skeptical that the U.S. missile-defense system can work." Yet, strangely, "they believe that in terms of raw speed, U.S. interceptors in Poland could catch a Russian ICBM launched from western Russia at any part of the continental United States."

Feulner notes also the 2000 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists that questioned whether it missile defense was technologically feasible.  The UCS assumption was that between the logistical difficulty in "hitting a bullet with a bullet" and missile's defense countermeasures, "it [made] no sense to begin deployment." Last month's successful test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in the Pacific proved once again that missile defense can destroy long-range missiles. In fact, "It wasn't the first time...experts were proven wrong. Over the last seven years these four programs have passed their tests— "done the impossible"—roughly 80 percent of the time."

Now, the same group of scientists that criticized the system for being too unreliable attack missile defense as being too effective. The U.S. currently is planning to deploy ten Ground Based Interceptors to Poland to defend against a missile attack from Iran.  Critics now say that the missile interceptors are so sophisticated that they could conceivably intercept the more advanced Russian missiles. Feulner concludes, "The question Americans ought to ask is, "Why is that a bad thing?" These scientists are undermining their own past arguments. They now insist this technology can protect us, even against threats it's not intended to thwart. That would make missile defense one of the few federal programs to deliver more than it promised." (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis

Poland's Tusk Open to Missile Defenses

Poland's Prime Minister-designate Donald Tusk expressed his receptiveness to a current U.S. plan to house ten Ground Based Interceptors in Poland. Tusk stressed that while Poland would "very consistently continue the Polish strategy of close ties with the United States," he would also consult fellow EU and NATO states to a greater degree than the previous government. The Prime Minster-designate's statements followed a meeting with President Lech Kaczynski where the two discussed the new coalition government and Poland's foreign policy. ""I am perhaps more skeptical, and the president a more declared supporter of missile defense, but I am almost certain that we will reach a common position on the issue." (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, European Missile Defenses

Lawmakers Cut Missile Defense Funds

On November 6, U.S. appropriators meeting from the House and Senate made a number of changes to the missile defense budget, for a total reduction of some $185 million dollars.  The Air-Borne Laser was cut by $35 million, and the entire plan for studies for a space test bed was completely zeroed-out.  The changes also included cutting $85 million requested by President Bush to build a facility to house ten Ground Based Interceptors in Poland, however the money designated for the X-band radar facility in the Czech Republic and the ten interceptors themselves was left intact. The bill still must be approved by both bodies of Congress, and Democrats have indicated they might restore the money should Poland's government agree to house the missiles and if the entire system undergoes extensive testing. 

Summary of funding reductions and changes:

• Reduces funding for the European Site program by $85 million.
• Reduces funding for Airborne Laser (ABL) by $35 million.
• Zeroes out the Conceptual Studies of a Space Test Bed (STB).
• Reduces overall Missile Defense budget by $185 million.
• Fully funds Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).
  
  
• Provides an additional $80 million for test and training range upgrades and supportand ground-based missile defense enhancements.
• Provides an additional $75 million for the Aegis program for the Ballistic Signal Processor, Standard Missiles, Ship installations and upgrades, and an asymmetric defense initiative.
• Adds $75 million for Arrow co-production, the Upper-tier program, and Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense. (Israeli programs)
• Provides an additional $120 million for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) program.

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Policy, European Missile Defenses, Budget

Pitts: Missile Defense Makes Sense

On November 2, TruthNews.com posted an opinion piece from Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16).  Pitts notes that while the U.S. is fighting nuclear proliferation, the risks posed by illegal arms sales, like those of Pakistani A.Q. Khan to non-state actors and rogue states alike, will likely increase over time. While the U.S. should intensify its efforts to curtail these threats, it also must deploy a strong missile defense to defend against the worst case scenario. Unfortunately, as the need for a strong missile defense has only increased, the U.S. Congress has cut the Missile Defense Agency's budget, including "$139 million... for Europe."  Pitts concludes:  "This is a critical time for moving forward with the deployment of missile defense systems for the United States and our allies. Despite the best efforts of the United States, we may very well see further nuclear proliferation in the future, not less. We must prepare for the security risk that will result if countries like Iran obtain nuclear weapons." (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, Policy