US plan to strengthen missile defenses
Source: Agencies |
March 17, 2013, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced plans on Friday to bolster American missile defenses in response to "irresponsible and reckless provocations" by North Korea, which threatened a preemptive nuclear strike against the United States last week.
Hagel said the Pentagon would add 14 new anti-missile interceptors at Fort Greely in Alaska - reversing an early Obama administration decision - and move ahead with a second missile-defense radar in Japan.
The Pentagon also left open the possibility of creating a site on the US East Coast where the Pentagon could field more interceptors. The 14 additional interceptors would cost nearly US$1 billion and must be approved by Congress.
"By taking the steps I outlined today we will strengthen our homeland defense, maintain our commitments to our allies and partners, and make clear to the world that the United States stands firm against aggression," Hagel said.
North Korea issued its threat last week to stage a preemptive nuclear attack against America as the US readied new sanctions against Pyongyang in response to its February 12 nuclear test, the country's third.
Experts say North Korea is still years away from being able to hit the continental US with a nuclear weapon.
But Hagel said the Pentagon moves were justified to stay ahead of the threat.
Friday's announcement came with a caveat - the Pentagon said it would only buy the extra interceptors if they perform appropriately in tests. The interceptors in question have not hit a target since 2008, a defense official said. Boeing Co is the prime contractor of the system. Key Boeing subcontractors include Raytheon Co and Orbital Sciences Corp.
Hagel said the Pentagon would add 14 new anti-missile interceptors at Fort Greely in Alaska - reversing an early Obama administration decision - and move ahead with a second missile-defense radar in Japan.
The Pentagon also left open the possibility of creating a site on the US East Coast where the Pentagon could field more interceptors. The 14 additional interceptors would cost nearly US$1 billion and must be approved by Congress.
"By taking the steps I outlined today we will strengthen our homeland defense, maintain our commitments to our allies and partners, and make clear to the world that the United States stands firm against aggression," Hagel said.
North Korea issued its threat last week to stage a preemptive nuclear attack against America as the US readied new sanctions against Pyongyang in response to its February 12 nuclear test, the country's third.
Experts say North Korea is still years away from being able to hit the continental US with a nuclear weapon.
But Hagel said the Pentagon moves were justified to stay ahead of the threat.
Friday's announcement came with a caveat - the Pentagon said it would only buy the extra interceptors if they perform appropriately in tests. The interceptors in question have not hit a target since 2008, a defense official said. Boeing Co is the prime contractor of the system. Key Boeing subcontractors include Raytheon Co and Orbital Sciences Corp.
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