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Poll: 84% of Americans Back BMD

A national opinion poll carried out by the Opinion Research Corporation, sponsored by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), found that 84 percent of Americans supported the creation of a missile defense system to protect the United States.  The poll results also showed that 70 percent of Americans support the plan to deploy missile defense interceptors and radar bases in Poland and the Czech Republic respectively; 82 percent wanted BMD systems deployed to guard U.S. troops and allied nations from ballistic attack; 71 percent backed total funding of missile defense by the U.S. Congress; and 81 percent described BMD as an important issue for presidential candidates from both major parties.  The poll had a 3.2 percentage point margin of error and was comprised of weighted results from 1,000 respondents across the United States. (Article, Link) 

» MDAA Press Release for Poll Results

» More stories on: Surveys and Polls

Russia to Deploy S-400 Systems Around Moscow by August

Russia will deploy the first air- and missile-defense battalion of the new S-400 systems around Moscow on August 6, according to a Russian Air Force spokesman.  "A battalion equipped with S-400 Triumf air defense systems and a command post will be put on combat duty [around Moscow] August 6," Colonel Alexander Drobyshevsky told a news conference July 24.  The S-400 Triumf is a new defense system developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family.  The system is said to be effective against stealth aircraft and cruise and ballistic missiles at a range of up to 400 kilometers. Russia successfully conducted live firing tests of the S-400 complex at the Kapustin Yar firing range in the Astrakhan Region on July 12-13. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: S-400 (SA-20 Triumf)

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer: "There is Every Reason to Strive for Preserving the CFE Treaty"

Interfax interviewed NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer about NATO-Russian relations and Russia's recent suspension of its obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty. Scheffer reiterated NATO's disappointment with Russia's suspension, and voiced his hope that NATO and Russia could find common ground on the landmark treaty for the sake of European security.

 

[The] Allies did express disappointment and concern with the unilateral decision of Russia. They also reiterated their full commitment to the CFE regime and called upon all signatories to continue implementing fully all the obligations under the CFE Treaty and associated documents. At the same time we have invited Russia for a constructive and creative dialogue on this important issue. The NATO-Russia Council (NRC) framework—that has served us so well over the last five years— can also play a helpful role... the CFE Treaty is such an important document and represents years of extensive negotiations and discussions that there is every reason to strive—on all sides—for preserving this landmark Treaty and bringing the Adapted CFE Treaty into force. Don't forget also that the Adapted Treaty reflect not the realities of the bygone, bloc to bloc era, but those of the new cooperative security situation in Europe.

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, NATO, Treaties and Agreements

India To Test New Cruise Missile in 2007

Newspost India reports that India's Advanced Systems Laboratory, a unit of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is developing a new medium-range, multi-platform missile, named the Nirbhay.  "It [Nirbhay] will be better than [the] Babur," explained Avinash Chander, director of ASL, referring to Pakistan's first subsonic, low-level terrain-mapping cruise missile.   The Pakistani Babur was originally developed with a 500 km range and was later upgraded to 700 km. The Nirbhay missile will have a range of 1,000 kilometers and a speed of 0.7 mach, or 70% of the speed of sound.  While the missile is being developed domestically, India is looking at foreign partnerships to develop the engine. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: India

Israel Plans to Expand Defenses

Israel is preparing a new multi-layered missile defense system, reports the July 11 edition of Jane's Defence Weekly.  The current backbone of Israel's missile defense is the Arrow terminal defense system. The Arrow-2, an upgrade of the original Arrow with U.S. assistance, continues under development, as is a new Arrow-3, which would have the capability to intercept missiles at a higher altitude and distance, enabling several interception attempts in case of a miss.  In addition, the government may purchase the advanced PAC-3 theater missile defense system.  To defend against short-range and smaller rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel is working on the "Iron Cap" system—a kinetic energy, all-weather interceptor capable of engaging multiple threats with a cheap radio-frequency seeker inside its radome.  The Iron Cap could be deployed within 30 months and is also relatively cheap to produce at only one percent of the cost of a PAC-3 system. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Israel

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

Financial Times: Prague Warns of Kremlin Ambition

Czech government officials have recently made a series of noteworthy observations about Russian foreign policy and influence in Europe. The Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg commented that while Russia is not an imminent threat, it could become one within the decade.

 

Maybe Russia will be a threat once more... In the last few months there have been some rather surprising occurrences... Russia would like to achieve the same status [vis-a-vis America] that the former Soviet Union had. Then the two of them, Washington and Moscow, would be the two to decide European issues. I am very sorry, but we consider that is our affair too.

 

In separate comments, an independent member of the Czech government Prince zu Schwarzenberg concurred with the Foreign Minister's statement while speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

 

We can understand that Russia is claiming its former position of superpower... However, we are scared by a strategy oriented more on prestige and on building military might instead of investing in civil infrastructure. With this strategy, I am afraid that Russia will once again end up as a giant with feet of clay... The Russians have always thought much more in long-term and strategic considerations than other European states. Other European states [go] from one election to another, and think more about tactics.

 

Both officials agreed that Europe must acquire energy independence to preserve its full independence. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, Russia

Economist: The West and a Grumpy Russia

The Economist critiques Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent suspension of Russia's obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty.  The CFE regulates the number of troops, tanks, artillery and aircraft which can be stationed in Europe.  Russia announced that because NATO has not ratified treaty amendments to the CFE from 1999 while Russia has, it would be justified in suspending its obligations under the treaty.  NATO has demanded that before they ratify amendments that allow Russia to deploy greater numbers of troops to its restive Southern Republics, Russia must first withdraw all conventional force from Moldova and Georgia. The suspension would take effect in six months to allow for negotiations between the two sides, but the six month window is likely to be only cosmetic.

 

The planned suspension of the CFE is only part of Russia's new post-Cold War foreign policy. Russia resents NATO's eastward push, the U.S.'s new bases in Romania and Bulgaria and a planned missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. Acquiescence caused by its weakness in the 90's has evaporated with the flush of petro-dollars in recent years. Putin is attempting to eliminate older treaties signed in weakness, and reengage in the European political arena by dividing the Europeans from the U.S., and the Eastern Europeans from their Western counterparts. The next target could likely be the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty which banned both superpowers from building or deploying land-based missiles with ranges from 500-5,500 km.

 

Unfortunately, the U.S. is contributing to the deterioration of security in Europe by "looking askance at binding agreements to limit the two sides' strategic nuclear arsenals after the current Moscow treaty governing them expires in 2012. Meanwhile the counting rules being used (which date from the earlier Start-1 treaty) will lapse in December 2009." The Economist concludes that good Cold War agreements are evaporating because hotheads on both sides refuse to find common ground. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, Analysis

Successful PAC-3 Test at White Sands

The successfully conducted another intercept test of the Patriot (PAC-3) interceptor at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico on July 18.  The test was against a low-flying, air-breathing target, which was intercepted and destroyed by a PAC-3 missile. The test demonstrated the system's capability to detect, track, engage and destroy a cruise missile-type target.  "After a number of successful tests against Tactical Ballistic Missile threats, PAC-3 has once again demonstrated its ability to also defend against low-flying, air-breathing threats in an increasingly more challenging battlefield environment," said Richard McDaniel, PAC-3 Missile program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Testing - American

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

Merkel Open to Missile Shield Due to Iran

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she did not oppose U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe to counter a possible missile attack from Iran. "I am not against Mr Putin but also not against the idea," Merkel said at a semi-annual news conference in response to a question about the U.S. shield plan.  "I have always said that one cannot say there's no threat coming from Iran."  While the U.S. plan, which would place ten Ground Based Interceptors in Poland and an X-band radar facility in the Czech Republic, has angered Russia, Chancellor Merkel thought Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest counterproposals were an encouraging sign of possible reconciliation.  "Thanks to the Russian proposals we no longer talk about whether we have to have a missile shield, but how can we do it together," she said. Chancellor Merkel also stressed that any plan must cover all NATO and European countries: "We in Europe will have to think again about whether we need to fully cover Europe. Southern Europe won't be covered and this will have to be discussed in NATO and in the NATO-Russia Council." (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, NATO, European Missile Defenses

ABL Tests Tracking Laser

The Airborne Laser (ABL) recently passed a milestone test involving the successful tracking of a target, compensated for atmospheric turbulence and simulated the firing of a missile-killing laser.  During the July 13 test at Edwards Air Force Base, the ABL identified and tracked a target on a modified KC-135 aircraft named Big Crow.  The Big Crow target aicraft fired a beacon laser at the ABL aircraft, the ABL was able to measure and compensate for laser beam distortion caused by the atmosphere. The ABL then simulated the firing of a high-energy laser that would destroy the target.  In the next test the ABL will use its own beacon illuminator laser, as opposed to one on the Big Crow, to measure the atmospheric distortion.  Provided those tests proceed as planned and funding for the program is not cut by the Congress, a high energy "kill" laser will be installed on the ABL.  The ABL's first full intercept test, currently scheduled for 2009, would destroy an in-flight missile with its laser.  The House Armed Services Committee recently slashed $250 million from the ABL's budget, however, leaving only $298 million of the requested $549 million. (Article, Link) 

» July 9, 2007: ABL Completes Fire Control Loop

» More stories on: Testing - American

» Missile system details for: Airborne Laser (ABL)

Russia Rejects NATO Offer but Rules Out 'New Cold War'

Russia rejected a NATO proposal for consultations over the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty from which it said it would withdraw.  Russia added, however, that it would consider talks the U.S. later.  "I don't see much point in holding such a meeting since the position of NATO on the CFE treaty has not yet changed," said General Yevgeny Buzhinsky, a top defense ministry official, in Itar-Tass.  The Russian general said the CFE treaty should either be changed or renegotiated. Buzhinsky added that if NATO countries do not ratify the treaty by December, Russia will withdraw.  The CFE treaty regulates the deployments of tanks and troops in NATO and former Warsaw Pact countries in Europe. NATO countries insist they will only ratify the treaty once Russia withdraws its remaining forces in Georgia and Moldova.

 

Buzhinsky also emphasized his country's interest in converting the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty into a multilateral agreement, and in renegotiating the Strategic Offensive Reductions treaty which expires in 2009. The INF treaty bans ballistic and cruise missiles with a range of 500-5,500 kilometers, but currently only applies to the U.S. and Russia. The 2002 Strategic Offensive Reductions treaty reduces warheads in Russia and the U.S. by two thirds, to between 1,700 and 2,200 deployed warheads each. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, NATO

Polish President Says System "A Foregone Conclusion"

Speaking at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a visit to see American missile defense interceptors in place, Polish President Lech Kaczynski told reporters that "the matter of the [placement of U.S. interceptors in Poland] is largely a foregone conclusion."  "There will be the shield because for Poland it's a very good thing," Kaczynski said.  The President's comments come while the U.S. and Poland are technically still engaged in negotiations over the interceptors.  The President's comments prompted criticism from Polish lawmakers.  "Saying the matter is a foregone conclusion is shocking," said Jolanta Szymanek-Deresz, a Polish member of parliament.  "It means the next stage of the negotiations will only be pretending."  Many Poles had hoped that during the negotiating process, the U.S. could make concessions such as giving Poland Patriot missile defenses. The U.S. wants to place ten Ground Based Interceptors in Poland as part of a new missile defense system in Europe to defend against a missile attack from Iran. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, European Missile Defenses

Obama Statement on Visit of Polish President

Senator and Presidential candidate Barak Obama issued a statement July 18 welcoming Polish President Lech Kaczynski to the United States.  After briefly commenting upon the historic relationship between the two countries since the American Revolutionary War, Senator Obama suggested five points of how the U.S. and Poland could deepen their relationship.  On the subject of missile defense, he argued that the U.S. and Poland should cooperate with missile defense issues only when the technology is effective, suggesting the Ground Based Interceptors being discussed for Poland are not.  

 

The full text of Obama's remarks: (More »»») 

» More stories on: Allies

Perry Deemphasizes Missile Threat

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry testified before a House subcommittee on July 18 to discuss U.S. nuclear policy and missile defense.  Perry said that he believed the greatest threat to the U.S. comes from terrorists detonating a nuclear weapon in an American city.  Such an attack could result in thousands of deaths, billions of dollars in damage to the U.S. economy and a global recession.  Perry recommended that to reduce this threat, the U.S. focus its energy on reducing its nuclear stockpile dramatically in conjunction with the Russians, and strengthen non-proliferation efforts and security around nuclear facilities abroad.  Perry furthermore criticized the current emphasis on missile defense, stating "Terrorists would not use a ballistic missile to deliver their bomb, they would use a truck or freighter."  Other testimony encouraged the U.S. to maintain a healthy and robust nuclear policy, that would inspire confidence from non-nuclear allies such as Japan and Saudi Arabia.  Should the U.S. reduce its stockpiles precipitously, other countries may question whether the U.S. could protect them and "go nuclear," foiling non-proliferation efforts. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Policy

China Opposed to European Missile Defense

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchiao has criticized missile defense systems as impediments to close cooperation between nations and the pursuit of peace.  "China is consistent in its confidence that the deployment of missile defense systems is detrimental to the current strategic condition of peace and stability in the world; that it does not promote regional security and mutual trust between countries, and may engender the problem of proliferation of missile weapons and an arms race."  Asked by Interfax to comment on Russia's suspension of its participation in the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty, Liu said: "We have taken into consideration Russia's statement and its concerns about security issues." (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: China

Report: Iran Warns U.S. It Has 600 Ballistic Missile Targets in Israel

Citing diplomatic sources, the Qatari daily Al Watan reports that Iran has targeted with missiles some 600 targets in Israel should the U.S. attack the Islamic Republic.  Iran also warned that should the U.S. or Israel attack Syria, Iran would retaliate. Recently, the London-based Guardian newspaper has reported the U.S. is carefully examining a possible strike against Iran, with Vice President Dick Cheney strong supporting the move while Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have voiced their opposition. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Iran, Israel

McNamara on Dodd Amendment

Sally McNamara of the Heritage Foundation recently criticized an amendment by Senator Christopher Dodd to cut $225 million from building a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. The amendment ignores the pressing strategic need for the system, McNamara suggests, as well as our broader interests in European security and the U.S.'s relationship with Poland and the Czech Republic.

 

The emerging threat of a ballistic missile attack from a rouge state or terrorist organization is a danger to Europe and the U.S. alike. North Korea's Taepo-Dong 2 missiles and Iran's Shahab 3 ballistic missiles in particular, could threaten the security of Europe. Accordingly, "ten long-range, ground-based missile defense interceptors in Poland and a mid-course radar in the Czech Republic will strengthen transatlantic security and counter the evolving... ballistic missile threat. The Dodd amendment, however, will delay the proposed construction date of 2008 and the operational target date of 2012."

 

In addition to the military significance of the system, the placement of the interceptors and radar in Poland and the Czech Republic respectively would be a symbol of both transatlantic solidarity and a special relationship between those countries and the U.S.

 

For Warsaw and Prague, this would mark a milestone in their integration into the transatlantic security community. They would be providing a significant contribution to NATO and making a powerful statement in support of the alliance's principle of mutual defense. Hosting missile defense facilities would also offer Poland and the Czech Republic a special defense relationship with the United States. The project entails genuine cooperation between Washington and new, solid allies who have expressed an interest in building more enduring alliances with the United States.

 

The success of the Dodd amendment however would not only weaken Polish and Czech confidence in the U.S.'s commitment to their security, but would embolden Russia to meddle in European affairs. McNamara concludes, "Congress must display resolve and leadership by providing adequate funding to take this step toward solidifying the transatlantic security alliance." (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: European Missile Defenses, NATO, Analysis

Ukraine Hints May Back Russian Missile Shield Plan

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko suggested that Ukraine could support a Russian plan for an international ballistic missile defense system.  "Let me, on behalf of the Ukrainian state, say that we view positively any system which would broaden the possibilities of collective security," Yushchenko told the Moscow newspaper Novaya Gazeta when asked about Putin's counter-proposals.

 

The current U.S. plan to install components of a ballistic missile defense in Poland and the Czech Republic has angered Russia, which sees the system as a threat to its strategic offensive nuclear deterrent and its regional influence.  Russian President Vladimir Putin detailed the elements of his counter-proposal at a summit at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport Maine in early July, which would use radar facilities in Azerbaijan and Russia and defend both Europe and Russia. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies

Berman: Russia Shows the U.S. the Central Asia Door

Ilan Berman, Vice President for Policy at the American Foreign Policy Council, analyzed Russian and U.S. rivalry in Central Asia in the July 11 edition of Jane's Defence Weekly.  In the aftermath of September 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin had acquiesced to U.S. air bases in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to fight the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.  However,

 

[F]our years later, America's regional presence is dwindling rapidly. Already, disputes with local governments have led to the ouster of US forces from one strategic facility, the Karshi-Khanabad base in Uzbekistan, and called into question the future of its deployment in Manas [Kyrgyzstan]. Diplomatically, meanwhile, Washington faces growing regional hostility, punctuated by public calls from the six-member Russian- and Chinese-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for an exit of US and allied forces from the region.

 

While the U.S. was quick to promote governmental reform and human rights, Russia offered "value-free" cooperation.

 

Fearful of the possibility of a permanent US military outpost in its immediate neighbourhood and of the potential for US-assisted democratic change there, the Kremlin has adopted a multifaceted strategy of economic and political outreach designed to diminish US influence there...Moscow...has pursued a "value free" approach to regional ties, emphasising co-operation on military, strategic and energy matters over structural and political reforms.

 

The autocratic regimes of Central Asia thus rediscovered a regional power that would aid them while condoning a slide back into autocracy. Compounding the problem, the U.S. has shifted its focus back to Iraq and the Middle East and away from Central Asia.  Berman concludes that the U.S. ignores the region and its autocratic drift at its peril, considering its geopolitical and economic importance. (Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, Russia, Foreign Policy

Japan, U.S. Hold Missile Defense Drill

On July 6, Japan and the United States held a joint missile defense exercise in an undisclosed location "at sea and in air around Japan."  The exercise combined four Aegis-radar equipped destroyers (three from the U.S. and one from Japan) and early warning aircraft while cooperating in target-tracking and information-sharing.

 

Tokyo and Washington are developing an advanced missile defense system to guard against a possible missile attack from North Korea. Japan deployed its first advanced U.S.-developed Patriot missiles this year, and plans to introduce SM-3 interceptors on its destroyers in the next few years. The next regional missile defense exercise is scheduled for November. (Article, Link) 

» July 11, 2007: Japan Times on sensitive disclosure from missile drill

» More stories on: Japan, Allies

» Missile system details for: Aegis Ship-Based BMD

Cruise Missile Defense Said Possible in 14 Months

The U.S. could deploy a missile defense system to protect the area between Boston and Washington D.C. from a sea-based cruise-missile attack within 14 months for a cost of "several billion dollars," said David Kier, the Lockheed Martin executive in charge of asymmetric threats.  "It just requires a will to do it," said Kier.  Jeff Kueter, president of the George C. Marshall Institute, spoke on the cruise missile threat and called for increased attention to the growing proliferation of such systems.

 

Kier and Kueter spoke at a July 9 conference in Washington D.C. sponsored by the American Foreign Policy Council: "Missile Defense Roundtable on The Cruise Missile Challenge," held in the House Rayburn office building. However, new missile defense expenditures are unlikely for the foreseeable future as the newly Democratic Congress has cut funds for existing programs.  Some lawmakers argue that cruise missiles are quickly becoming a "weapon of choice" for terrorists and rogue states and therefore the small cost is well worth the cost. (Article, Link) 

India Working on New Generation Missiles

India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has started work on new types of missiles, following successful tests of the Agni and Prithvi models.  The new missiles include a superior version of the Agni III, a hypersonic BrahMos and a naval missile known as Sagarika.  The superior Agni III, tentatively scheduled for testing in 2010, would boast a range of 5000 to 5500 kilometers, effectively pushing India into the club of nations with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).  The hypersonic BrahMos missile would move approximately ten times faster than the present version and is awaiting final consent from India and Russia, which produce the missile jointly.  The Sagarika would be a submarine launched, nuclear-armed, missile with a range of 1000 kilometers. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: India

» Cruise missile details: BrahMos PJ-10

» Missile details: Agni-3

Podvig on the Russian RS-24 as Modified Topol-M

The RS-24 missile that Russia tested on May 29, 2007 is a multiple-warhead version of the Topol-M and not a new missile, concludes Russian analyst Pavel Podvig writing for the Russian Forces blog. Russia has long wanted to have a MIRV version of the Topol-M, assuming it could compensate the slow pace of missile deployment by making the forces look bigger. However, under the guidelines of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), Russia and the U.S. are forbidden from "increasing the number of warheads attributed to an ICBM or SLBM of an existing or new type [of missile] (Article V.12d)". Since under the guidelines of the treaty, the Topol-M would be considered a variant of the Topol missile, Russia cannot declare that it will be equipped with multiple warheads. Therefore, Russia declared the Topol-M a "new" missile.

 

It is (almost) official now - the RS-24 missile that Russia tested on May 29, 2007 is a multiple-warhead version of Topol-M. That was my guess at the time of the test, but now I have had it confirmed. The missile, of course, have a new warhead section, but it is a Topol-M. It was said to use a guidance system that shares technology with that of the Bulava SLBM and, just as I suspected, it will be using the same warheads. It appears, though, that MIRVed Topol-M will carry no more than six warheads (the range was reported to be from three to six, but no final number yet).

 

MIRVing of Topol-M has long been somewhat of an obsession in Russia - there is a broad consensus among experts across the spectrum that this could compensate for the slow pace of the missile deployment, if only by artificially making the Russian forces look bigger. I think this belief is deeply misguided, but this is where the Russian debate stands. ...

 

At the moment, Russia can declare it as a prototype, which means it does not have to attribute a number of warheads or throw-weight to the missile until it is flight-tested at least 20 times or deployed. Since START is set to expire in December 2009, this means that Russia may avoid a conflict with the treaty by simply withholding the final throw-weight declaration until then.

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Analysis, Russia

» Missile details: RS-24

Russia Threatens Missile Deployment in Kaliningrad

On July 4, First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov warned that Russia could deploy medium-range missiles in the Kaliningrad oblast in Europe if the United States turns down Russia's proposals on anti-missile defense in Europe.  Russia has opposed a current U.S. plan to place ten Ground Based Interceptors in Poland and an X-Band radar facility in the Czech Republic.  Russia claims that the plan is devised to blunt Russia's influence in the region and diminish its strategic nuclear deterrent.  As a possible compromise, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed the U.S. use a share a pre-existing radar facility in Azerbaijan and an additional facility in Southern Russia.  Putin also suggested the system should exist within the Russia-NATO Council, with centers in Moscow and Brussels.  The U.S. has thus far welcomed the proposal as a possible complement to its existing plan, but not as a substitute.

 

Ivanov suggested that, by turning down Russia's proposal, offensive medium range (500km) Iskander-K missiles would be placed in the Russian enclave between Poland and Lithuania.  Lithuania is so far responding calmly to Ivanov's threat.  Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas, Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekunas, and the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Justinas Karosas have stressed the threat is purely hypothetical, but that Lithuania, the EU and NATO would oppose such a move. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, European Missile Defenses, Allies

» Missile details: SS-26

Russia Set to Test First Serial S-400 SAM System Next Week

On July 5 Russia announced it will conduct the first tests of its new S-400 Triumf air defense complexes (NATO codename SA-21 Growler) during the week of July 9. The S-400 is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets, including stealth aircraft, at a distance of up to 400 kilometers-more than twice the range of the S-300PMU-2 (NATO codename SA-10 Grumble). The S-400 will soon be put on combat duty near Moscow following the test, and eventually will replace the older S-300PMU-2s and defend critical administrative and political centers. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russian Missile Defenses, Russia

» Missile system details for: S-400 (SA-20 Triumf), S-300P (SA-10 Grumble)

Czech Security Council Approves Radar Deployment

On July 3, the Czech Security Council approved a U.S. plan to deploy an X-Band radar facility near the town of Misov (90 kilometers southwest of Prague), according to a statement by Tomas Klvana, a Security Council spokesman, quoted by RIA Novosti.  The final decision on the deployment of the radar will be made by the Czech Parliament, though domestic groups opposed to the system want a national referendum. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies, European Missile Defenses

Putin Proposes Using Radar in Southern Russia for Missile Defense Purposes

During a summit at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, Russian President Vladimir Putin expanded on his counter-proposal to the U.S. plan to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe. "Should it prove necessary, we are ready to include not only the Gabala [radar] station [in Azerbaijan] in this system. We are ready to rebuild it, should such a need arise, and, if it proves insufficient, we are prepared to add a new radar station being built in the south of Russia in this system," he said.  President Putin's offer has been welcomed by President Bush as a potential complement to his plan to base a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, but Putin has insisted it is meant as an alternative. Russia has fiercely criticized the U.S. plan for Poland and the Czech Republic which it believes erodes its strategic nuclear deterrent and influence in Europe. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, European Missile Defenses