More Threats, Fewer Defenses?

Michaela Dodge / February 16, 2011

Last Thursday, experts on ballistic missile defense gathered to discuss this issue at The Heritage Foundation’s conference “Rethinking Comprehensive Missile Defense.” It is clear that the United States needs capable ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems to protect the U.S. citizens, its homeland, and allies in Europe and the Pacific from the growing ballistic missile threat. The missile defense industry needs a clear guidance and sustained support from the leadership in the government in order to meet these tasks.

Lieutenant General Henry Obering emphasized that missile defense and arms control are complimentary and further reductions in nuclear weapons will be possible only if the United States deploys BMD systems capable of destroying both short- and long-range ballistic missiles. Ambassador Robert Joseph illustrated that, whereas the current Administration has claimed its support of missile defense systems, any tangible increase in their capabilities remains to be seen. Rebeccah Heinrichs, an adjunct fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated that President Obama’s beliefs about missile defense are “ideologically driven” by the notion that one does not need ballistic missile defense for deterrence to be more credible or to prevent countries from obtaining and delivering missiles. (more…)