Expert Warns U.S. 'May Not Be Able To Stop' North Korean Missiles
- 7 years ago
In a New York Times op-ed, John Tierney is skeptical about the effectiveness of the missile defense system despite a recent successful test.
In the wake of the continued weapons testing by North Korea, Pentagon conducted a missile defense test on May 30.
According to the Los Angeles Times, "...a much-anticipated test of the homeland missile defense system succeeded...when a rocket launched from the Santa Barbara County coast hit and destroyed a target warhead fired into space from across the Pacific Ocean, U.S. officials said."
While many see this as as encouraging sign of the nation's preparedness against the threats posed by North Korea, John F. Tierney is skeptical.
Tierney, a former Congress member and current director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, writes in a recent New York Times op-ed that due to various limitations, such tests many not be enough to fully defend against a North Korea missile.
"Each is highly scripted to maximize success. The timing and other details are provided in advance, information that no real enemy would provide. The weather and time of day are just right for an intercept," said Tierney. "An adversary would use complex countermeasures, such as decoys, alongside the real missile to try to fool the defense system, but only simplistic versions of this trick have been included. Under realistic testing conditions, the program’s success rate would almost certainly be lower."
Tierney cites other experts who are also doubtful about the effectiveness of such a system in a real-life situation.
Furthermore, he notes that many scientists "have criticized the program and suggested major changes, with the academies calling for a redesigned set of interceptors and sensors, and the union calling for the system to be subject to the demanding oversight that virtually all other Pentagon programs already face."
In addition to reforming the program, Tierney suggests, "If lawmakers are serious about defending the homeland from rogue states like North Korea, they should prioritize diplomatic action."
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has indicated that all options are on the table when it comes to North Korea.
Vice President Mike Pence had particularly strong words for the regime, commenting in April that the U.S. and its allies will “bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear on the regime in North Korea, and we will do so until they abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”
Pence also warned, “The United States of America will always seek peace, but under President Trump, the shield stands guard and the sword stands ready.”
In the wake of the continued weapons testing by North Korea, Pentagon conducted a missile defense test on May 30.
According to the Los Angeles Times, "...a much-anticipated test of the homeland missile defense system succeeded...when a rocket launched from the Santa Barbara County coast hit and destroyed a target warhead fired into space from across the Pacific Ocean, U.S. officials said."
While many see this as as encouraging sign of the nation's preparedness against the threats posed by North Korea, John F. Tierney is skeptical.
Tierney, a former Congress member and current director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, writes in a recent New York Times op-ed that due to various limitations, such tests many not be enough to fully defend against a North Korea missile.
"Each is highly scripted to maximize success. The timing and other details are provided in advance, information that no real enemy would provide. The weather and time of day are just right for an intercept," said Tierney. "An adversary would use complex countermeasures, such as decoys, alongside the real missile to try to fool the defense system, but only simplistic versions of this trick have been included. Under realistic testing conditions, the program’s success rate would almost certainly be lower."
Tierney cites other experts who are also doubtful about the effectiveness of such a system in a real-life situation.
Furthermore, he notes that many scientists "have criticized the program and suggested major changes, with the academies calling for a redesigned set of interceptors and sensors, and the union calling for the system to be subject to the demanding oversight that virtually all other Pentagon programs already face."
In addition to reforming the program, Tierney suggests, "If lawmakers are serious about defending the homeland from rogue states like North Korea, they should prioritize diplomatic action."
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has indicated that all options are on the table when it comes to North Korea.
Vice President Mike Pence had particularly strong words for the regime, commenting in April that the U.S. and its allies will “bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear on the regime in North Korea, and we will do so until they abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”
Pence also warned, “The United States of America will always seek peace, but under President Trump, the shield stands guard and the sword stands ready.”