scientists determine missile defense ineffective against real attack

[swag]

(from cdi.org)

May 13, 2004

A new report out today, "Technical realities: an analysis of the 2004 deployment of a U.S. national missile defense system," finds that the system would be ineffective against a real ICBM attack and that there is no technical justification for its deployment. The study was sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and was co-authored by Center for Defense Information Senior Advisor and former head Pentagon tester Philip E. Coyle, III. Coyle notes that key components of the system which is to be deployed by October of this year are missing and that no realistic testing has been held. According to Coyle, "This is like deploying a military aircraft missing the wings, the tail and the landing gear. And without testing to see if the aircraft can do its mission without wings, a tail or landing gear."

Co-author Dr. Lisbeth Gronlund, physicist and co-director of the UCS Global Security Program, says, "Our technical analysis of this proposed system and its components shows there is no basis to believe that it will have any defensive capability. The administration's claim that the defense will be highly effective is false and irresponsible."

The report concludes, "There is no technical justification for deployment of the system, nor are there sound reasons to procure and deploy additional interceptors. The Missile Defense Agency should halt its deployment of the Block 2004 GMD system, and Congress should require that the system undergo operationally realistic testing before it is deployed."

The report's was co-authored by two other physicists: Dr. David Wright, co-director of the UCS Global Security Program, and Dr. George Lewis, associate director of the MIT Security Studies Program.

The report is available at http://www.ucsusa.org/global_security/missile_defense/page.cfm?pageID=1403.

[Old and In the Way]

1. But it is a very effective platform.

For conveying US taxpayer $ to the pockets of the MIC/Republican fundraisers.

[swag]

2. Right,

I hear those Raytheon "Texas Style" Barbecues are a lot of fun.