The Growing Threat of Ballistic Missiles

The Threat of Ballistic Missiles in Today's World
Nuclear proliferation around the world, and the threat of a ballistic missile attack of some kind is mounting as more and more countries obtain nuclear technology. The ongoing threat toward America is also accelerating due to the fact that there are many rogue nations and terrorist organizations who either have or are seeking ballistic missiles and nuclear technology. The challenges of protecting America and its citizens for President Obama's administration are great. One proven technology that is in limited use today to protect the country from incoming ballistic missiles is the missile defense installations in place today. As we proceed further into the new ballistic missile age where multiple countries have the capability of detonating a nuclear weapon, missile defense is a necessary requirement.

The Ballistic Missile Threat from Iran Continues to Grow
For the past several years, Iran has been aggressively working on their nuclear program with the help of other countries such as North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and China. While Iran claims their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the facts are proving otherwise. It has become quite clear that their intent is to have a nuclear weapon. Every indication from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is that he intends on using his nuclear weapon as leverage to gain more respect among world leaders. Furthermore, his threats to destroy Israel seem to hold weight if you consider the use of a nuclear device or bomb. Iran has been working with North Korea to develop their space program, and specifically their ballistic missile program. The Iranian Shahab-3 ballistic missile is capable of reaching areas of Southern Europe, as well as Israel and throughout the Middle East. Working with North Korea, Iran is developing stage 2 ballistic missiles that will have the capability of reaching U.S. shores. Adding to this, they are also pursuing a stage 3 ballistic missile that will reach any location within the U.S. America's only defense against incoming ballistic missiles from Iran or anywhere else will be an effective missile defense system. Once these weapons are launched, there is no other form of defense available to stop them from detonating.

The North Korean Ballistic Missile Threat Has an Extended Reach
North Korea has had nuclear weapons for several years. They not only have the technology to produce nuclear bombs, they are willing to sell that information to the highest bidder. It is no secret that North Korea has been instrumental in Iran's ongoing development of a nuclear weapon. Furthermore, North Korea has been involved with Syria and Pakistan and the exchange of information. Even at a time when the world is calling for North Korea to dismantle their nuclear weapons and capabilities, their compliance has been limited. North Korea has boasted that they have ballistic missiles capable of reaching the West Coast of the United States. To counteract any incoming ballistic missiles from North Korea, the U.S. has a few missile defense installations in Hawaii. These missile defense sites will be the only source of an intercept for a North Korean ballistic missile. Again, the importance of effective missile defense for America cannot be pushed aside.

China's Ballistic Missile Threat to the United States
China is a very advanced nation. Until recently, it was thought that China's nuclear technologies were somewhat outdated. However, in the past few years, it appears that China's capabilities are on par with Russia in many respects. China has conducted tests against U.S. satellites in the past few years, targeting them with lasers. This indicates to the U.S. that China has the capability of targeting U.S. satellites with short-range ballistic missiles. Additionally, they have the capability of targeting those satellites with destructive lasers and EMP warheads. In the event of an International incident with Chins, it seems very clear that one of their first targets will be American satellites. It is not known how many ballistic missiles China has, or how many of them have nuclear warheads on board, but it is substantial. Where the threat from North Korea may only be from a few nuclear tipped ballistic missiles, China has far more. If China were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States, it would require far more missile defense installations than what the U.S. currently has in place. The ongoing need for ballistic missile defense is required to protect the country from all ballistic missile threats.

Russia's Ballistic Missile Threat to the U.S. and It's Allies
While the Cold War between the former Soviet Union and the United States is over, there still remains a great deal of nuclear weapons on both sides. The recent actions by the U.S. to install ten missile defense sites in Poland and a radar site in the Czech Republic have outraged Russia. In retaliation, Russia has indicated that they have directed some of their ballistic missiles toward Poland. Even though the sites to be installed are for defensive purposes only, Russia does not approve. The missile defense sites are being put in place to protect Europe from a missile attack from Iran. However, Russia feels very threatened with the defense sites and has tried bullying its neighboring countries in an attempt to kill the progress.

Missile Defense Is Critical to Protecting the U.S.
Of the countries profiled above, 3 of the 4 have ballistic missiles and the capability of delivering a nuclear warhead. Since President Ronald Reagan first introduced the Strategic Defense Initiative over 25 years ago, there has been some progress in providing a missile shield for the U.S., but not enough has been done. The U.S. needs to develop space-based defenses along with many more ground and sea-based missile defense sites. While the country may be capable of eliminating a single nuclear ballistic missile threat at this time, depending on where it was entering the country, it is defenseless against a barrage of nuclear tipped ballistic missiles. America is vulnerable against a ballistic missile attack. As nations of the world continue to seek nuclear weapons for their own defenses, the risk of even an accidental launch increases. Without the necessary missile defenses in place, devastation will happen.

Read more about the critical role of missile defense and why it must be a priority of the Obama Administration if America is to be protected from its enemies in the article, "Moving Forward with Ballistic Missile Defense: A Memo to President-elect Obama"  HERE. The Constitution states that one of the fundamental roles of government is to protect its citizens, and right now, America is not protected.