Old missile launch sites for sale Nov 15, 2008
Each facility controlled 10 Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at the Soviet Union. The end of the Cold War meant the deactivation missile wind and the removal of the 150 Minuteman III missiles in northeastern North Dakota. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Congress corrects a missile defense mistake Nov 15, 2008
President Reagan, who initiated Americas development of ballistic missile defenses 25 years ago, understood that the best way to defend our nation from attack by ballistic missiles was to attack them in space. Space is the ultimate high ground; engaging a ballistic missile from anywhere other than outer space is to engage that missile from a sub-optimal position. (Nogales International, AZ)
US rejects Kremlin's call to scrap missile shield Nov 14, 2008
Antagonism between the Kremlin and the Bush administration over the deployment of missile systems in Europe deepened yesterday after the US defence secretary, Robert Gates, accused President Dmitry Medvedev of "provocative, unnecessary and misguided" plans to station short-range ballistic missiles in Russia's Baltic exclave, Kaliningrad. Speaking on a visit to Estonia, Gates said the plans to place Iskander-M missiles in eastern Europe were "hardly the welcome a new American administration... (guardian.co.uk)
Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman, Kinetic Energy Interceptors Team Verify Flight Configuration of First Stage Rocket Motor Components Nov 14, 2008
This integrated weapon system provides a persistent (24/7), all-weather capability to destroy intermediate and intercontinental ballistic missiles in their boost to midcourse phases of flight. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace, and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide. (Primezone Releases)
Iran claims new Israel-range missile tests Nov 14, 2008
"Iran should also refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world. The Iranian regime should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately.". The reported test launch comes amid back and forth talks between Iran and Western powers on Tehran's controversial nuclear program. (CNN -- World)
Obama On Missile Defense Nov 14, 2008
Obama has said it would be prudent to "explore the possibility of deploying missile defense systems in Europe," in light of what he called active efforts by Iran to develop ballistic missiles as well as nuclear weapons. Iran's defense minister announced the country has a new, more accurate generation of its longest-range surface-to-surface missile. (CBS News -- World)
Experts: 'New' Iranian missile an old one Nov 13, 2008
Washington denounced the missile test, saying it contradicts Iran's international commitments, and called on the Islamic Republic to halt the development of ballistic missiles immediately. Irans development of ballistic missiles is contrary to United Nations Security Council resolutions and completely inconsistent with Irans obligations to the world," said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe. He added that Tehran should refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the... (Ynetnews)
Q&A: Iran nuclear issue Nov 13, 2008
On 17 October 2007, the US designated part of the Revolutionary Guard as a "supporter of terrorism" and the Guard as a proliferator of weapons of mass destruction for its alleged work on ballistic missiles. The US imposed further sanctions on the Guards' commercial activities and on several Iranian banks. (BBC News -- Africa)
Iran test-fires long-range missile Nov 13, 2008
"The Iranian regime should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately.". The Security Council has called on Iran to "constrain" its "development of sensitive technologies in support of its nuclear and missile programs" until it has resolved questions about the Iranian nuclear program. (AZCentral -- News)
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said on Wednesday the Islamic Republic has successfully test-fired a new generation surface-to-surface missile.• U.S. denounces Iran's missile test Nov 13, 2008
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States denounced Iran's test of a generation missile on Wednesday, saying the development of ballistic missiles could be used as a delivery vehicle for nuclear weapon. "Iran's development of ballistic missiles is contrary to United Nations Security Council resolutions and completely inconsistent with Iran's obligations to the world," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement ... "The Iranian regime should stop the development of... (Xinhuanet, China)
Pentagon to Obama: Anti-missile System Will Work Nov 13, 2008
The anti-missile defense system - which preliminary tests have shown is capable of shooting down ballistic missiles - "is workable," Obering, who heads the Missile Defense Agency, told reporters by teleconference. "Our testing has shown not only can we hit a bullet with a bullet, we can hit a spot on a bullet with a bullet," the lieutenant general added. (Newsmax)
China fears India-Japan space alliance Nov 12, 2008
When, in early November, the Japanese press revealed that Japan has begun to explore the possible future launch of an early warning satellite which can detect the launch of enemy ballistic missiles, according to a draft plan obtained by The Yomiuri Shimbun, the joint declaration was not even mentioned. Among other things, this draft plan promotes the use of rockets and satellites for defense purposes and endorses the need to examine the feasibility of deploying a new satellite which can perform... (Asia Times Online)
Report: Iran Test-Fires New Missile Near Iraq Border Nov 12, 2008
While Iran claims that its ballistic missiles which can strike targets more than 1,200 miles away are for defensive purposes, Tehran has warned that it would strike American bases in the Middle East in the event of an attack from the U.S. or Israel. But Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Friday that Tel Aviv is convinced that Iran continues to try to build a nuclear weapon, according to Fars. (Fox News)
File: India test-fires submarine-launched ballistic missile Nov 12, 2008
India already has Agni-I (700-km range) and Agni-II (2000-km-plus) ballistic missiles, as also the Agni-III (3,500-km) which has been successfully tested only once so far, as the land-based nuclear deterrent. Fighters like Sukhoi-30MKI and Mirage-2000s, which can be jury-rigged to carry nuclear weapons, constitute the air-based leg. (India Times, India)
It's Not Only the Economy: "It's the Kids' Survival (Stupid)" Nov 10, 2008
And certainly do not forget the subsequent Cold War's arms race and the 1,000's of multi-targeted, inter-continental ballistic missiles now waiting the world over to deal the young a final death blow. Called Supra-Democracy, this Rescue-Plan is the universally-beneficial political and educational dynamic for the 21st century. (PR Newswire)
Kremlin opts for charm over strong arm on missile defence Nov 10, 2008
The discussion followed Medvedev's hostile state of the nation speech last Wednesday in which he sharply criticised the US missile interceptor deployment and vowed to station mobile, short-range ballistic missiles in Kaliningrad, bordering Poland and Lithuania, as a countermeasure. His threat drew condemnation from the EU and eastern European leaders. (guardian.co.uk)
Missile message Nov 6, 2008
But it is the first time since the end of the Cold War that we have heard a Russian president openly and clearly threaten to deploy ballistic missiles to Europe. So is he serious - and how worried should Europe and America be. (BBC News)
Medvedev's challenge Nov 6, 2008
He warned in his first state of the nation address that Russia would site new ballistic missiles in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad - embedded within the European Union - if the US deploys its planned missile defence shield in central Europe. Even welcome pledges on democratic reforms did not prevent his speech erasing a chunk of yesterday's earlier big gains on Moscow's equity markets, which have bounced 50 per cent since October 24. (Financial Times)
* Dismantle missiles and give Taiwan international space, Wang tells China Nov 6, 2008
Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng () urged Beijing yesterday to respond positively to Taiwans moves to participate in the international community and to dismantle its more than 1,000 ballistic missiles targeting Taiwan. I believe that as long as we continue to extend goodwill to each other, cross-strait relations will remain promising, he said after a closed-door meeting with Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Chairman Chen Yunlin (L) at the Grand Hotel. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Kim schedule 'returns to normal' Nov 6, 2008
In the concert reported on Thursday, he enjoyed operatic renditions of May the Motherland Prosper" and other patriotic songs, reported North Korea's KCNA news agency. However, no specific date was given for either event. The news comes after South Korea said its isolated northern neighbour was building a large new missile base. Surgeon 'did visit Pyongyang' In the pictures released by KCNA on Wednesday, Mr Kim is shown visiting two units in the country's huge million-strong army. He is wearing... (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
US urged to overhaul nuclear arsenal Nov 5, 2008
Create strategic investment plans that address long-term nuclear requirements, including those for cruise missiles, bombers, dual-capable aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Establish positive inventory control measures for nuclear weapons-related material. (Asia Times Online)
Putin, Medvedev Should Talk to Obama, Not Test Him, Russian Officials Say Nov 5, 2008
Russia's Foreign Ministry the system is aimed against the country's intercontinental ballistic missiles. Medvedev in August vowed a ``military response'' if the shield goes ahead. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
U.S. Navy Independently Validates and Demonstrates Its Missile Defense System Nov 4, 2008
"This past Saturday, off the coast of Hawaii, the United States Navy conducted their own live test of their ballistic missile defense systems with full operating crews of U.S. sailors on the USS Paul Hamilton (DDG -60) and USS Hopper (DDG-70). The Japanese ship JS CHOKAI (DDG-176), who later this month will be outfitted with defensive SM-3 ballistic missiles observed, tracked and simulated a defensive engagement with the target missiles. Two target missiles were fired from the Pacific Range... (PR Newswire)
U.S. Navy Intercepts Ballistic Missile Shot From Hawaii Base Nov 4, 2008
HONOLULU One of two short-range ballistic missiles shot from a military facility in Hawaii in a defense system test was hit by an interceptor missile fired from a Navy ship, U.S. Navy officials said. Vice Adm. (Fox News -- Politics)
North Korea building base for bigger missiles - South Nov 4, 2008
North Korea's missile programme is a pressing security concern because the secretive state has an arsenal of 800 ballistic missiles that can strike South Korea and Japan and is working to build a functional missile that can hit U.S territory. South Korea's Minister of National Defense Lee Sang-hee is seen during a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates after their meeting at the Pentagon in Washington in this October 17, 2008 file photo. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Obama Is Pure Socialist Oct 31, 2008
Again, our allies across the globe are depending on the U.S. to help develop a real defense against ballistic missiles. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Poland, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates are but a few that need American missile defense technology because they see a threat that duck Obama does not. (Newsmax)
NOW EL LOCO'S PURSUING THE BOMB Oct 29, 2008
He's surely green with envy at how Tehran's ballistic missiles and nuclear-weapons program give the United States strategic indigestion. He especially likes the intended deterrent effect that these programs will have on American freedom of action. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Palin Touted for Role Defending U.S. Border Oct 29, 2008
Greelys location at the northwestern tip of the U.S. would allow its interceptor missiles to respond quickly to incoming ballistic missiles, especially from North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran. Palins role as commander of the states Guard includes keeping in contact with the members. (Newsmax)
Czech govt faces battle over missile shield Oct 28, 2008
The missile defence shield, which would also include 10 interceptor missiles based in neighbouring Poland, would help detect and shoot down any ballistic missiles fired at Europe and the United States by countries such as Iran. Plans for the shield are backed by the fragile centre-right coalition government, but have alienated many ordinary people who fear they could make their country a target and undermine its security. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Air Force Revamping Nuclear Oversight After Missteps Oct 26, 2008
Control of the B-2 and B-52 bombers now under Air Combat Command, and the intercontinental ballistic missiles now under Space Command will shift to the newly formed Global Strike Command. While largely bureaucratic in nature, the changes reflect a realization by the Air Force that in the post-Cold War era, attention to the nuclear mission had slipped and must now be corrected. (Fox News)
Testing Obama Oct 26, 2008
After Kennedy failed to come to the aid of Cuban exiles during the Bay of Pigs invasion, Khruschev concluded he could put ballistic missiles in Cuba. The result was the Cuban missile crisis. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
US plans separate nuclear command Oct 25, 2008
The first occurred in 2006 when electrical fuses for ballistic missiles were mistakenly sent from a US base in Wyoming to Taiwan in place of helicopter batteries ... All nuclear-capable B-52 and B-2 bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles will be shifted from their current locations in Virginia and Colorado to the new command. (BBC News)
Air Force plans nuclear command after blunders Oct 25, 2008
The new command should start operating by next September and be responsible for nuclear-capable B-52 and B-2 bombers as well as intercontinental ballistic missiles, Donley said. Its location and its first commander are yet to be determined, he said. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
US Air Force seeks to fix nuclear mission Oct 23, 2008
In the wake of World War II, soon after the Air Force itself was established, the Air Force's Strategic Air Command became the overseer of a large swath of US nuclear capability, from intercontinental ballistic missiles to bombers. The command was essentially the face of US nuclear deterrence and became a model of American military discipline and excellence. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
* No compromise on fundamentals Oct 23, 2008
Chens figures were in line with those of the Pentagons 2006 Report to Congress on the Military Power of the Peoples Republic of China, which estimated the number of Chinese CSS-6 and CSS-7 short-range ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan as numbering between 710 and 790, an increase over the previous years 650 to 730 missiles. In his statement, Chen noted that a 10-hour Chinese bombardment could paralyze Taiwans communications, transportation and command centers. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
The best fence Oct 22, 2008
In the past, that s been trumped by efforts to keep away communism (and ballistic missiles pointed at us). But the Cold War is over, and neither China nor Russia is strong enough to be a threat in our hemisphere. (Washington Daily News, NC)
Russia striving to modernize military, U.S. notes with interest, not alarm Oct 20, 2008
In a grim finale, commanders launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles, the type that can carry multiple nuclear warheads. It was a clear signal of the drastic endgame the Kremlin might consider should its conventional forces not hold. (International Herald Tribune)
Obama's favorite Republican? Oct 18, 2008
"So why does the Democratic presidential nominee keep invoking the name of a 76-year-old Republican from Indiana?Meet Dick LugarDick Lugar may not be a household name, but he's well known within international security circles. And he's famous to world leaders who are trying to protect their countries from nuclear attack.In 1991, Lugar teamed up with Sam Nunn, then a Democratic senator, to create a program aimed at securing and dismantling the nuclear, chemical and biological weapons inside the... (MSNBC -- Politics)
U.S. to study possible space-based defense Oct 18, 2008
The U.S. bulwark is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles in all stages of their flight. President Bush ordered the Pentagon to start fielding it four years ago to guard against a launch from North Korea or Iran, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency says on its website. (Scientific American)
U.S. says North Korea stuck to nuclear promises Oct 18, 2008
"North Korea's continued development of its weapons of mass destruction program, along with its ballistic missiles and the threat of proliferation, pose a serious challenge to the U.S.-ROK Alliance and the peace and security of northeast Asia," the ministers said in a joint statement. North Korea tested a nuclear device in 2006 using plutonium and is suspected of pursuing a uranium enrichment program that would provide a second path to make fissile material for nuclear weapons. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Lockheed Martin Delivers Mars Science Laboratory Backshell to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Oct 17, 2008
Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md. (PR Newswire)
Space Expectations [Slide Show] Oct 17, 2008
Just 17 years earlier, when spaceflight was little more than a dream, von Braun worked for the U.S. Army building ballistic missiles. It was during this time that the future and first director of in Huntsville, Ala. (Scientific American)
North Korea Wins Again Oct 14, 2008
Yet check out this language in a 2004 Congressional Research Service report: North Koreas support for international terrorism appears limited at present, its efforts to restart its nuclear program and its role in proliferation of ballistic missiles and missile technology suggest that its removal from the terrorism list will not occur anytime soon. That was even before North Korea tested a nuclear weapon in October 2006. (CBS News)
Russia tests long-range missile Oct 13, 2008
Russian nuclear submarines also successfully test fired two ballistic missiles from the Pacific Ocean and Barents Sea on Sunday to targets inside Russia, the navy said. Medvedev, who was sworn in as president in May, has moved to beef up Russia's armed forces after a five-day conflict in Georgia this August which sparked a row with the United States and European Union. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Russia test fires long-range missile... Oct 13, 2008
Russia test-fires ballistic missiles - International Herald Tribune. Russia test-fires ballistic missiles ... Russia test-fired long-range ballistic missiles Sunday as President Dmitri Medvedev pledged to build up the country's armed capabilities. (The Drudge Report)
Russia in fresh missile launches Oct 13, 2008
Russia has test-fired another three intercontinental ballistic missiles, a day after claiming a distance record for a missile fired from a submarine. President Dmitri Medvedev, who watched two of the launches, said they proved Russia's missile defences were strong. (BBC News -- Europe)
U.S. Missile Defense Being Expanded, General Says Oct 13, 2008
The U.S. military is also cooperating with Japan and other Asian nations to address what the Pentagon considers a growing threat from China's short-range ballistic missiles in the region, while also developing the means to counter an attack by China's long-range missiles ... Closer to home, the Pentagon is studying how to defend against a Scud or other short-range ballistic missiles fired by an enemy from a ship within a few hundred miles of the U.S. coast. (Yahoo News -- Missile Defense System)
Missile Defense Director Moves to End Test Glitches Oct 13, 2008
While Reagan imagined a shield against a massive Soviet attack, President Bush has pursued a more limited system aimed at thwarting a small number of ballistic missiles that might be fired at the United States not by a major power such as Russia or China but by a smaller adversary such as North Korea or Iran ... Kathleen Paige, who has led a parallel Pentagon effort to develop a ship-based system for intercepting short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. (Yahoo News -- Missile Defense System)
Russia tests missiles Oct 13, 2008
Russia test-fired three intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) on Sunday, including two from submarines patrolling on opposite ends of the sprawling country, news agencies reported ... "But naturally we will also continue to carry out launches of traditional ballistic missiles that equip our armed forces," Medvedev said. (iAfrica.com)
North Korea presses U.S. on nuclear deal Oct 10, 2008
The resolution, approved two years ago after the North declared that it had conducted a nuclear weapon test, demanded that North Korea not develop, test or launch ballistic missiles. Administration officials said that negotiations with Pyongyang would continue. (International Herald Tribune)
Baucus, Tester want nuclear mission for Malmstrom Oct 10, 2008
The Air Force recently decided to consolidate under one command center control over land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, and airborne bombers capable of carrying nuclear bombs. Baucus and Tester wrote a letter Thursday telling Air Force Secretary Michael Donley they "can think of no better place than Malmstrom." The Montana Democrats cited personnel and existing facilities at the Great Falls base. (Helena Independent Record)
N Korea 'to launch 10 missiles' Oct 10, 2008
"It would be an unprecedented number of missile tests if the North fires all of them," the newspaper noted, adding that in 2006, North Korea tested seven medium-and long-range ballistic missiles. It said the KN-01 is an improved version of the Chinese Silkworm missile, and has a range of 110-120 km (70-75 miles). (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
North Korea Fires Missile Into Yellow Sea Oct 8, 2008
But it is currently barred by U.N. sanctions from testing ballistic missiles and components ... Japan imposed tight trade sanctions against the impoverished communist nation in 2006 after North Korea tested ballistic missiles in the waters between the two countries and conducted a test explosion of a nuclear device. (Fox News)
US Should Keep Engaging Russia, Obama Adviser Says (Update1) Oct 8, 2008
While Arizona Senator McCain supports the establishment of bases in Poland and the Czech Republic as protection from Iranian ballistic missiles, Obama said Bush was rushing to deploy unproven technology. Big Preconditions. (Bloomberg)
Report: Kim Jong Il Seen in Public After Health Rumors-Israel: N. Korea Selling Weapons to the Middle East Oct 5, 2008
North Korea's catalog has included ballistic missiles and related components, conventional weapons such as mobile rocket launchers, and nuclear technology. North Korea had been disabling its nuclear facilities at its Yongbyon complex but abruptly stopped in mid-August, citing Washington's refusal to remove it from a list of state sponsors of terrorism. (Fox News)
Israel accuses NKorea of Mideast proliferation Oct 5, 2008
North Korea's catalog has included ballistic missiles and related components, conventional weapons such as mobile rocket launchers, and nuclear technology. U.S. government officials have said that A.Q. Khan -- the Pakistani scientist who confessed in 2004 to running an illegal nuclear market -- had close connections with North Korea, trading in equipment, facilitating international deals for components and swapping nuclear know-how. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Taiwan Says $6.5 Billion U.S. Arms Sale Will Maintain Stability With China Oct 4, 2008
The sale would mark Taiwan's first purchase of the most- advanced Patriot missile system, which can shoot down short- to medium-range ballistic missiles and is made by Bethesda, Maryland-based Martin Corp.. Apache Helicopters. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
North Korea: Life After Kim Oct 4, 2008
This plus the security threat posed by the North s achievement in the production of long-range ballistic missiles have deepened Tokyo s concern. For South Korea and China, the prospect of changing of the guards in North Korea or for that matter in the event of eruption of a naked power struggle is of special interest. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Israelis Wary of a US Radar Base in the Negev Oct 3, 2008
Cheyenne Mountain's NORAD, the central collection and coordination center for a worldwide system of satellites, radars, and other early warning systems watching for threats to North American security from both aircraft and ballistic missiles. George Steinmetz / Corbis. (Time.com)
Nukes and missiles keep Kim going Sep 23, 2008
This new missile site, reportedly still under construction and expected to be completed next year, means that Pyongyang is still straining to develop upgraded ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads into the inland area of the US, extending beyond Alaska, and that it cheated the US, while having shown apparent good intentions at the six-party talks aimed at the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula ... But it may still feel that, without the ballistic missiles capable of... (Asia Times Online)
'Target malfunction' halts U.S. missile test Sep 19, 2008
THAAD system aims to strike ballistic missiles as they approach target ... Like Patriot anti-missile defenses, THAAD is designed to knock out ballistic missiles in their final minute of flight ... Intercontinental ballistic missiles are out of its range. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Russia test-fires strategic missile from submarine Sep 19, 2008
It will be equipped with 16 Bulava ballistic missiles, each carrying up to 10 nuclear warheads and having a range of 8,000 kilometers. Editor: Mu Xuequan. (Xinhuanet, China)
Report says N. Korea tested missile engine Sep 17, 2008
The facility has a mobile launch pad and a 10-story tower that would support the North's largest ballistic missiles, Jane's reported. Appearing before a parliamentary committee in Seoul on Thursday, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee said the launch site is about 80 percent complete. (Boston Globe)
Defenses for a Dangerous World Sep 17, 2008
Meanwhile, Iran seems eager to obtain ballistic missiles that could threaten Europe, and nobody has any idea what may happen in nuclear North Korea. Luckily, with the help of our allies, our military is responding to the growing threats. (Townhall.com)
Kim's absence worries N. Korea watchers Sep 13, 2008
Military watchAnalysts say North Korea has quietly built a long-range missile base larger and more capable than an older and well-known launch pad for intercontinental ballistic missiles. The base on North Korea's west coast has yet to be used, but independent analysts showed the AP satellite images of it. (MSNBC -- International)
