The Need for Missile Defense: Now More Than Ever
Rory Cooper /
Powerful Ambitions
- North Korean Dreams: The development of the ballistic missile program has been one of the top military priorities for North Korea for almost 40 years. As a result it now has the largest ballistic missile program among all developing countries. Not only does North Korea constantly seek to advance their own ballistic missile capabilities, but it also shares ballistic missile technology with other nations such as Iran.
- But Will Their Missiles Reach the U.S? The April 4 so-called “satellite launch” demonstrated North Korea’s latest Taepo Dong-2 advancements. According to reports, the first stage of the missile traveled 170 miles, and the second stage landed 790 miles east of Japan, a vast improvement upon their July 2006 test. Fully functional, the Taepo Dong-2 has the capability to reach Hawaii, Alaska, and potentially the west coast of the United States, delivering a devastating payload.
- Partners in Crime: Iran also has an active ballistic missile program. Most of their technology is derived from Russian and North Korean technology. Though the Iranian long-range ballistic missile capability is still in its early development phases, its successful satellite launch a month ago displays that Iran has the capabilities necessary to develop a long-range missile. (more…)