N. Korean threat activates shield U.S. cites a launch as 'provocative'

Drudgereport.com ^ | June 19,2006 | Drudge Report / Bill Gertz

[edpc]

Here's the link for your viewing pleasure.....

Missile Defense Agency

[Stonewall Jackson]

Just last month, the USS Lake Erie successfully intercepted a ballistic missile during the final seconds of its flight.

[Cementjungle]

Shoot it down in a "test" of our own. Can't afford to take the risk, and it would send a clear message to any belligerent/rogue state.

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.

[Rodm]

What if the N Korean missile is loaded with a test nuke? After all these guys are nuts! Ahh Sorriwee, we blew Hawaii away.

[rake]

It was on its way down, anyway. I'd just tell them that and add, "You were doing a test. So were we. Thanks for the joint exercise."

LOL! Well said!

[edpc]

What if the N Korean missile is loaded with a test nuke?

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.

[Constantine XIII]

You know that the missle defense techs have to be secretly happy. They get a free test run! :P

[Logical me]

Colonel Hunt said on Fox today that if we shoot it down, it means war.

No way. That little Korean fat head will just blow wind.

[edpc]

Ahhh...memories of happier times in my youth when shooting down ballistic missiles only required a pocketful of quarters.

[bnelson44]

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.

[finnman69]

yup, an Aegis SM-3 did it this year

[OkieDoke]

"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.

[finnman69]

http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/sm3.htm

[edpc]

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.

[ArrogantBustard]

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.

[LasVegasMac]

just a groveling PING to let you know that we are on the same sheet of music!

[JimSEA]

Question. Could they rig up some sort of ground proximity fuse to the HE charge triggering the nuke? I am ignorant on these things but curious.

[therut]

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.

[Gideon7]

[edpc]

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.