Posted on 05/24/2012 12:16:25 AM PDT by bruinbirdman
NEW RUSSIAN ICBM IS NO SOLUTION
Russian plans to upgrade their "Voyevoda R-36M2 Satan" intercontinental ballistic missile began in 2009, but are only now coming to fruition. Russian weapons maker NPO Mashinostroyeniya predicts the creation of a new liquid fueled ICBM will take a decade to design and deploy. And when it does do so, it won't be a panacea for current Kremlin concerns over European missile defenses; Russian experts fear that the missile, as currently designed, won't be capable of piercing the missile defense shield currently under construction by the United States and NATO. (RIA Novosti, May 8, 2012)
PUTIN LOOKS FOR ASSURANCES ON EUROPEAN DEFENSE
Russia's newly reelected president, Vladimir Putin, has wasted no time weighing in on the European missile shield debate. President Putin urged the Russian Foreign Ministry to "consistently maintain Russia's position towards the creation of global U.S. missile defense system [and] push for guarantees that it will not be aimed against Russia's nuclear facilities." Moscow remains worried that the system will undermine its nuclear deterrent, despite repeated pledges from NATO officials that European defenses are meant only to counter threats from Iran.
Russian officials are not just worried about the effect European BMD could have on their strategic arsenal. Russian Space Defense Forces chief Lt. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko has also warned that "ground- and sea-based missile defense systems can be used not only as anti-missile but also anti-satellite weapons." That feature is a particular concern to the Russians, because an expansion of U.S. missile defense capabilities worldwide would afford Washington greater ability to take aim at Russian satellites and space-based assets as well. (Space Daily, May 7, 2012; Global Security Newswire, May 8, 2012)
ROK RECONSIDERING LIMITS ON MISSILE RANGE
Officials in Washington and Seoul are at odds over South Korea’s ability to strengthen its offensive missile systems. As part of a 2001 deal with the U.S., South Korea is currently barred from deploying missiles with a range of over 300 kilometers – rendering parts of North Korea beyond the ROK's missile range. But South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has expressed the desire for more robust South Korean ballistic missile capability, and U.S. support of such, before he leaves office next year. The reasons are practical; North Korean missiles are able to reach any part of South Korea, and Seoul wants the capability to similarly hold DPRK targets at risk. (Seoul Korea Times, May 10, 2012)
UPGRADED AEGIS SYSTEM ENJOYS SUCCESS
The Block 1B SM-3 AEGIS missile defense system has done what its predecessor could not, obliterating a target missile in a recent test. The upgraded sensors and control systems allowed the missile defense system to track a target and adjust the interceptor’s flight path to destroy it. The new version of the SM-3 will be outfitted on all 23 AEGIS-equipped ships when the interceptor becomes operational in approximately 2015. (CNN, May 10, 2012)
THE AIRBORNE LASER RISES AGAIN
Just months after it was officially scrapped, members of the House Armed Committee's Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee are breathing new life into the Airborne Laser. HASC members have added a measure to the current defense authorization bill requesting funding to make the aircraft-based anti-missile program operational again. The ABL program was defunded last year as a result of budget overruns, despite successfully intercepting two missiles in 2010. The revived interest in the system is due in part to North Korea’s recent long range missile test; the Subcommittee has asked that the ABL aircraft “be ready to deploy in an operational contingency, if needed to respond to rapidly developing threats from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” (Global Security Newswire, May 1, 2012)
INDIA'S MISSILE SHIELD MATURES
India has taken another step forward in its development of an indigenous national missile defense program. A successful recent missile interceptor test has led the country's main defense development agency, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), to declare that India is now capable of defending two cities against missile attack. Currently, the Indian system is capable of intercepting missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers, but the DRDO hopes to increase that figure to 5,000 kilometers and configure the system to be autonomous in nature – requiring no human input except to cancel a mission. (Press Trust of India, May 6, 2012)
The Russians are jealous of our Trident D5. They want a missile that has the range, accuracy and reliability of the Trident system. Trident D5 has had 137 consecutive successful tests since 1989.
Bluff and bluster against who Putin knows is a wimp, obastard. The new Russian ICBM can’t penetrate our missile shield, and Putin won’t start WWIII by trying to take out our sites. It’s irrelevant, anyway: Russia could overwhelm the shield in a real conflict because it’s not designed to stop an attack by a real power.
So what is this about? Posturing, ego, and cred on the world stage. That’s it. Period. And we’re sadly outclassed in that department right now. Well, at least as far as cred goes...
Perhaps more for internal consumption? It's indicative of Putin's military industrial complex problems.
yitbos
The Russian Strategic Rocket Forces have 334 ICBMs deployed with 1092 warheads.
55 R-36M2 (SS-18) with 550 warheads
35 UR-100NUTTH (SS-19) with 210 warheads
150 Topol (SS-25) with 150 warheads
74 Topol-M with 74 warheads
18 RS-24 with 108 warheads
The R-36M2 and UR-100NUTTH missiles are outdated and need to be replaced.
http://russianforces.org/missiles/
Trident D5 can carry 12 MIRVs. SALT I limited them to 8 warheads and SORT (Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty 1 June 2003) to 4 or 5.
yitbos
Good point, yotbos. This is also all about sales of Russian military hardware, a critical stream of revenue for Russia.
Holy cr@p, where did you get that?! WAY too much info about how a thermonuclear bomb actually is designed. Wow.
From the campaign trail, February 2008...
Obama Pledges Cuts in Missile Defense, Space, and Nuclear Weapons Programs
February 29, 2008 :: News
MissileThreat.com
A video has surfaced of Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama talking on his plans for strategic issues such as nuclear weapons and missile defense.
The full text from the video, as released, reads as follows:
Thanks so much for the Caucus4Priorities, for the great work you've been doing. As president, I will end misguided defense policies and stand with Caucus4Priorities in fighting special interests in Washington.
First, I'll stop spending $9 billion a month in Iraq. I'm the only major candidate who opposed this war from the beginning. And as president I will end it.[not win it -etl]
Second, I will cut tens of billions of dollars in wasteful spending.
I will cut investments in unproven missile defense systems.
I will not weaponize space.
I will slow our development of future combat systems.
And I will institute an independent "Defense Priorities Board" to ensure that the Quadrennial Defense Review is not used to justify unnecessary spending.
Third, I will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons. To seek that goal, I will not develop new nuclear weapons; I will seek a global ban on the production of fissile material; and I will negotiate with Russia to take our ICBMs off hair-trigger alert [they are NOT on "hair-trigger alert" now -etl], and to achieve deep cuts in our nuclear arsenals.
You know where I stand. I've fought for open, ethical and accountable government my entire public life. I don't switch positions or make promises that can't be kept. I don't posture on defense policy and I don't take money from federal lobbyists for powerful defense contractors. As president, my sole priority for defense spending will be protecting the American people. Thanks so much.
Article: Obama Pledges Cuts in Missile Defense, Space, and Nuclear Weapons Programs:
http://missilethreat.com/archives/id.7086/detail.asp
"MissileThreat.com is a project of The Claremont Institute devoted to understanding and promoting the requirements for the strategic defense of the United States."
_____________________________________________________
"I will not weaponize space"
"I will cut investments in unproven missile defense systems"
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2008 Pentagon Report (March 2008):
China's Growing Military Space Power
By Leonard David
Special Correspondent, SPACE.com
March 6, 2008
GOLDEN, Colorado — A just-released Pentagon report spotlights a growing U.S. military concern that China is developing a multi- dimensional program to limit or prevent the use of space-based assets by its potential adversaries during times of crisis or conflict.
Furthermore, last year's successful test by China of a direct-ascent, anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon to destroy its own defunct weather satellite, the report adds, underscores that country's expansion from the land, air, and sea dimensions of the traditional battlefield into the space and cyber-space domains.
Although China's commercial space program has utility for non- military research, that capability demonstrates space launch and control know-how that have direct military application. Even the Chang'e 1 — the Chinese lunar probe now circling the Moon — is flagged in the report as showcasing China's ability "to conduct complicated space maneuvers — a capability which has broad implications for military counterspace operations."
To read the entire publication [29.67MB/pdf], see U.S. Dept of Defense:
http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/pdfs/China_Military_Report_08.pdf
_____________________________________________________
From the Sino-Russian Joint Statement of April 23, 1997:
"The two sides [China and Russia] shall, in the spirit of partnership, strive to promote the multipolarization of the world and the establishment of a new international order."
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/HI29Ag01.html
_____________________________________________________
"Joint war games are a logical outcome of the Sino-Russian Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed in 2001, and reflect the shared worldview and growing economic ties between the two Eastern Hemisphere giants."
http://www.heritage.org/research/commentary/2005/09/war-games-russia-china-grow-alliance
"In a private conversation about the planned U.S.-led NATO missile defense system in Europe, President Barack Obama asked outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for space on the issue.
“This is my last election,” Obama told Medvedev. “After my election I have more flexibility.”
“I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir,” Medvedev said, referring to incoming President Vladimir Putin."
http://fox8.com/2012/03/26/open-mic-catches-obama-asking-medvedev-for-space-on-missile-defense/
__________________________________________________
Obama was talking with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev when neither of them realized that their conversation was being picked up by microphones. Here is what they said:
Obama: “On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved, but it’s important for him to give me space.”
Medvedev: “Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you ...”
Obama: “This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility.”
Medvedev: “I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.”
“This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.” That statement tells us much about the president’s mindset.
The specific mention of missile defense is worrisome enough. Mr. Obama has retreated from the missile defense plan that was negotiated with European allies during the George W. Bush administration. Apparently, he is signaling Moscow that he intends to retreat further. The clear implication from the president’s comments is that he cannot tell the American people before the election what he plans to do after the election.
In addition, there is the phrase “on all these issues,” implying more is at stake than just missile defense.”
Article: Obama plans double cross on missile defense
When it comes to keeping America safe, we shouldn’t be too flexible:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/mar/29/obama-plans-double-cross-on-missile-defense/print/
Russia's Medvedev hails "comrade" Obama
Associated Foreign Press (AFP) ^ | April 2, 2009 | Anna Smolchenko
"Russia's Dmitry Medvedev hailed Barack Obama as "my new comrade" Thursday after their first face-to-face talks"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEo4B1heuBvO6KK7EiBHKigO1UrA
April 1, 2009:
"Obama, Medvedev pledge new era of relations":
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/419496_88/1/.html
______________________________________________________________
It's not that Obama's a "wimp", he's on the same page as the "New World Order" Russians and ChiComs. He's bending over backwards to help them obtain their, and his, goals.
The Putin-ChiCom-Chavez-Iran-Obama "New World Order"
“We are creating a new world, a balanced world. A new world order, a multipolar world,” Chavez told reporters during a visit to Communist China, one of many. His “new world order” includes [RUSSIA], China, Iran,... and a significantly weakened United States, he explained.
Resurgent Communism in Latin America
by Alex Newman, March 16, 2010:
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/world-mainmenu-26/south-america-mainmenu-37/3122-resurgent-communism-in-latin-america?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
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From the Russian News and Information Agency:
July 27, 2006
"'I am determined to expand relations with Russia,' Chavez, known as an outspoken critic of what he calls the United States' unilateralism, told the Russian leader, adding that his determination stemmed from their shared vision of the global order.":
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20060727/51913498.html
______________________________________________________________
From the Sino-Russian Joint Statement of April 23, 1997:
"The two sides [China and Russia] shall, in the spirit of partnership, strive to promote the multipolarization of the world and the establishment of a new international order."
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/HI29Ag01.html
______________________________________________________________
"Joint war games are a logical outcome of the Sino-Russian Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed in 2001, and reflect the shared worldview and growing economic ties between the two Eastern Hemisphere giants."
http://www.heritage.org/research/commentary/2005/09/war-games-russia-china-grow-alliance
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170287,00.html
______________________________________________________________
Russia's Medvedev hails "comrade" Obama
Associated Foreign Press (AFP) ^ | April 2, 2009 | Anna Smolchenko
"Russia's Dmitry Medvedev hailed Barack Obama as "my new comrade" Thursday after their first face-to-face talks"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEo4B1heuBvO6KK7EiBHKigO1UrA
April 1, 2009:
"Obama, Medvedev pledge new era of relations":
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/419496_88/1/.html
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
President Obama and Venezuela dictator Hugo
Chavez at the 2009 Summit of the Americas in Trinidad.
Note the "soul bro" handshake. (my caption)
Obama, Chavez shake hands at Americas Summit:
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/04/17/2698451-obama-chavez-shake-hands-at-americas-summit
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From CBS-News, July 29, 2006:
Chavez Vows To 'Stand By Iran'
After Oil Talks In Tehran, Venezuelan Leader Called 'Brother' By Ahmedinejad
"Chavez pledged that his country would 'stay by Iran at any time and under any condition,' state television reported. Ahmadinejad said he saw in Chavez a kindred spirit." "'We do not have any limitation in cooperation,' Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. 'Iran and Venezuela are next to each other and supporters of each other. Chavez is a source of a progressive and revolutionary current in South America and his stance in restricting imperialism is tangible.'":
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/29/world/main1847331.shtml
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http://article.wn.com/view/2009/06/16/Iran_president_visits_Russia_despite_protests/
Russia has revealed details of its ambitious plan to upgrade its army over the next ten years, planning to spend US$650 billion on the project.
The unveiled large-scale plans of the Russian defense ministry propose the spending of vast sums of money up to 2020.
First and foremost, Russian defense will focus on the development of strategic nuclear weapons, construction of over 100 military vessels for Russian Navy, including construction of four originally French-made Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, and the introduction into the Air Force of over 1,000 helicopters and 600 military planes, including fifth generation PAK-FA fighter.
Most of the military hardware will be equipped with next-generation weaponry.
http://rt.com/news/military-budget-russia-2020/
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China and Russia launched joint naval exercises Sunday in the Yellow Sea between the east coast of mainland China and the Korean peninsula.
Sixteen Chinese surface vessels and two submarines as well as four Russian warships will take part in the six days of drills. ...
China and Russia have conducted four bilateral and multilateral military exercises since 2005.
http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/04/22/china-and-russia-launch-military-exercises/
Trident D5 can actually carry 14 W76 warheads in a lower-range maximum payload configuration.
As of 2010, there are 1,152 warheads deployed on 288 Trident D5 SLBMs.
568 W76 (100 kt)
200 W76-1 (100 kt)
384 W88 (455 kt)
The W76-1 is a refurbished W76 warhead.
http://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/USStratNukeForceNewSTART
Sorry for the repeat on the “Comrade Obama” images.
Don’t worry, Russia. After Obama is re-elected he’ll fulfill all his secret promises to you regarding a major downgrade of US defenses.
From an Iranian website.
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