Posted on 06/19/2006 8:47:38 PM PDT by edpc
The Pentagon activated its new U.S. ground-based interceptor missile defense system, Bill Gertz reports in Tuesday's WASHINGTON TIMES, just as officials announced that any long-range missile launch by North Korea would be considered a "provocative act."
Poor weather conditions above where the missile site was located by U.S. intelligence satellites indicates that an immediate launch is unlikely, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
However, intelligence officials said preparations have advanced to the point where a launch could take place within several days to a month.
Two Navy Aegis warships are patrolling near North Korea as part of the global missile defense and would be among the first sensors that would trigger the use of interceptors, the officials said yesterday.
Gertz reports: The U.S. missile defense system includes 11 long-range interceptor missiles, including nine deployed at Fort Greeley, Alaska, and two at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The system was switched from test to operational mode within the past two weeks, the officials said.
I agree. Besides, it'll be a great training exercise for our side. Kidding aside, I'm betting they'll back down and announce that they're doing a test launch, thus defusing the situation.
LOL! Well said!
I doubt they have the ability to put a warhead on the missile, just yet. While they likely have an atomic device, it's much more complicated to put a nuclear warhead on a missile. Even if it was, we'd render it inert in a hurry.
You know that the missle defense techs have to be secretly happy. They get a free test run! :P
No way. That little Korean fat head will just blow wind.
Probably not. The type of nuke that goes on a missile needs to be set off in a special way to work. Worse case is you spread some radiation in the ocean someplace.
yup, an Aegis SM-3 did it this year
"Colonel Hunt said on Fox today that if we shoot it down, it means war."
I saw that. Boarding the USS Pueblo was an act of war, too. If that missile is winging our way, shoot it down. I recall a test shot out of Vandenburg that was successful.
Then deal with the mullahs.
Did anyone catch Rush's show today? He was discussing the potential missile launch/intercept. He called Kim Jong-Il a "potbellied dog-eater." I laughed my @ss off.
The National Missile Defense System at Fort Greeley is a mid-course interceptor ... the Aegis SM-2 or SM-3 is the boost phase interceptor. Either one should be capable of swatting Li'l Kim's rocket out of the sky.
just a groveling PING to let you know that we are on the same sheet of music!
The Democrats will be angry if we use Reagans Star Wars concept and hit the missle. They will whine and nash their teeth. They are been screaming all along they thing would never work and cost too much money. It was just the musing of a demented old Republician.
Check the link in post 21. The Aegis can be used in mid-course or terminal. Airborne laser and kinetic weapons (under development) are the boost choices.
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