“This is not about Russia”

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on the Presidents change of missile defense strategy.

Putin on Obama’s plan for European missile defense

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin released a statement on the President’s decision to scrap the current agreements to place Ground-Based Interceptors in Poland and radars in the Czech Republic. He said:

“I expect that after this correct and brave decision, others will follow, including the complete removal of all restrictions on the transfer of high technology to Russia and activity to widen the membership of the World Trade Organization to (include) Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus,”

White House Fact Sheet on US Missile Defense Policy

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
__________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            September 17, 2009

Fact Sheet on U.S. Missile Defense Policy
A “Phased, Adaptive Approach” for Missile Defense in Europe

President Obama has approved the recommendation of Secretary of Defense Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a phased, adaptive approach for missile defense in Europe.  This approach is based on an assessment of the Iranian missile threat, and a commitment to deploy technology that is proven, cost-effective, and adaptable to an evolving security environment.

Starting around 2011, this missile defense architecture will feature deployments of increasingly-capable sea- and land-based missile interceptors, primarily upgraded versions of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), and a range of sensors in Europe to defend against the growing ballistic missile threat from Iran.  This phased approach develops the capability to augment our current protection of the U.S. homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats, and to offer more effective defenses against more near-term ballistic missile threats.  The plan provides for the defense of U.S. deployed forces, their families, and our Allies in Europe sooner and more comprehensively than the previous program, and involves more flexible and survivable systems.

The Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended to the President that he revise the previous Administration’s 2007 plan for missile defense in Europe as part of an ongoing comprehensive review of our missile defenses mandated by Congress.  Two major developments led to this unanimous recommended change:

• New Threat Assessment:  The intelligence community now assesses that the threat from Iran’s short- and medium-range ballistic missiles is developing more rapidly than previously projected, while the threat of potential Iranian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities has been slower to develop than previously estimated.  In the near-term, the greatest missile threats from Iran will be to U.S. Allies and partners, as well as to U.S. deployed personnel – military and civilian –and their accompanying families in the Middle East and in Europe.

• Advances in Capabilities and Technologies:  Over the past several years, U.S. missile defense capabilities and technologies have advanced significantly.  We expect this trend to continue.  Improved interceptor capabilities, such as advanced versions of the SM-3, offer a more flexible, capable, and cost-effective architecture. Improved sensor technologies offer a variety of options to detect and track enemy missiles.

These changes in the threat as well as our capabilities and technologies underscore the need for an adaptable architecture. This architecture is responsive to the current threat, but could also incorporate relevant technologies quickly and cost-effectively to respond to evolving threats.  Accordingly, the Department of Defense has developed a four-phased, adaptive approach for missile defense in Europe.  While further advances of technology or future changes in the threat could modify the details or timing of later phases, current plans call for the following:

• Phase One (in the 2011 timeframe) – Deploy current and proven missile defense systems available in the next two years, including the sea-based Aegis Weapon System, the SM-3 interceptor (Block IA), and sensors such as the forward-based Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance system (AN/TPY-2), to address regional ballistic missile threats to Europe and our deployed personnel and their families;
• Phase Two (in the 2015 timeframe) – After appropriate testing, deploy a more capable version of the SM-3 interceptor (Block IB) in both sea- and land-based configurations, and more advanced sensors, to expand the defended area against short- and medium-range missile threats;
• Phase Three (in the 2018 timeframe) –  After development and testing are complete, deploy the more advanced SM-3 Block IIA variant currently under development, to counter short-, medium-, and intermediate-range missile threats; and
• Phase Four (in the 2020 timeframe) – After development and testing are complete, deploy the SM-3 Block IIB to help better cope with medium- and intermediate-range missiles and the potential future ICBM threat to the United States.

Throughout all four phases, the United States also will be testing and updating a range of approaches for improving our sensors for missile defense.  The new distributed interceptor and sensor architecture also does not require a single, large, fixed European radar that was to be located in the Czech Republic; this approach also uses different interceptor technology than the previous program, removing the need for a single field of 10 ground-based interceptors in Poland.  Therefore, the Secretary of Defense recommended that the United States no longer plan to move forward with that architecture.

The Czech Republic and Poland, as close, strategic and steadfast Allies of the United States, will be central to our continued consultations with NATO Allies on our defense against the growing ballistic missile threat.

The phased, adaptive approach for missile defense in Europe:

• Sustains U.S. homeland defense against long-range ballistic missile threats.  The deployment of an advanced version of the SM-3 interceptor in Phase Four of the approach would augment existing ground-based interceptors located in Alaska and California, which provide for the defense of the homeland against a potential ICBM threat.
• Speeds protection of U.S. deployed forces, civilian personnel, and their accompanying familiesagainst the near-term missile threat from Iran.  We would deploy current and proven technology by roughly 2011 – about six or seven years earlier than the previous plan – to help defend the regions in Europe most vulnerable to the Iranian short- and medium-range ballistic missile threat.
• Ensures and enhances the protection of the territory and populations of all NATO Allies, in concert with their missile defense capabilities, against the current and growing ballistic missile threat.  Starting in 2011, the phased, adaptive approach would systematically increase the defended area as the threat is expected to grow.  In the 2018 timeframe, all of Europe could be protected by our collective missile defense architecture.
• Deploys proven capabilities and technologies to meet current threats.  SM-3 (Block 1A) interceptors are deployed on Aegis ships today, and more advanced versions are in various stages of development.  Over the past four years, we have conducted a number of tests of the SM-3 IA, and it was the interceptor used in the successful engagement of a decaying satellite in February 2008.  Testing in 2008 showed that sensors we plan to field bring significant capabilities to the architecture, and additional, planned research and development over the next few years offers the potential for more diverse and more capable sensors.
• Provides flexibility to upgrade and adjust the architecture, and to do so in a cost-effective manner, as the threat evolves.  Because of the lower per-interceptor costs and mobility of key elements of the architecture, we will be better postured to adapt this set of defenses to any changes in threat.

We will work with our Allies to integrate this architecture with NATO members’ missile defense capabilities, as well as with the emerging NATO command and control network that is under development.  One benefit of the phased, adaptive approach is that there is a high degree of flexibility – in addition to sea-based assets, there are many potential locations for the architecture’s land-based elements, some of which will be re-locatable.  We plan to deploy elements in northern and southern Europe and will be consulting closely at NATO with Allies on the specific deployment options.

We also welcome Russian cooperation to bring its missile defense capabilities into a broader defense of our common strategic interests.  We have repeatedly made clear to Russia that missile defense in Europe poses no threat to its strategic deterrent.  Rather, the purpose is to strengthen defenses against the growing Iranian missile threat.  There is no substitute for Iran complying with its international obligations regarding its nuclear program.  But ballistic missile defenses will address the threat from Iran’s ballistic missile programs, and diminish the coercive influence that Iran hopes to gain by continuing to develop these destabilizing capabilities.

Through the ongoing Department of Defense ballistic missile defense review, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will continue to provide recommendations to the President that address other aspects of our ballistic missile defense capabilities and posture around the world.

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President Obama on European Missile Defense

Senator Begich speech transcript

A couple of weeks ago Alaskan Senator Mark Begich spoke at the Heritage Foundation about Alaska’s vital role in missile defense and national security. While we already posted our notes from the event, the transcript has just come available so we thought it would be instructive to post.  The first couple paragraphs are the opening remarks of Heritage Foundation President Edwin J. Feulner and the rest is Senator Begich.  Unfortunately it doesn’t include the questions that were asked.

Read the entire transcript here.

2010 Defense Authorization bill passes Senate subcommittee

The Missile Defense Agency is expected to receive $7.7 Billion in 2010 Appropriations after a unanimous vote by the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. The $7.7 Billion represents an almost 15% cut in MDA’s budget over the previous year.

In annoucing the vote Senate Republican Defense Appropriations Defense Subcommittee member Richard Shelby from Alabama said, “The funding approved by the subcommittee will support important defense-related programs that strengthen our national security” and that “these programs are critical to the stability of our nation’s military infrastructure and readiness, and the subcommittee’s approval demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety of our citizens and the strength of our military.” He added in his comments that, “The need for a robust national missile defense has never been more apparent than it is today” and the “threats from rogue nations that seek to do America and her allies harm must be countered. This funding will help ensure the safety and security of our country.”

While the overall budget is down, several programs  including the sea-based Aegis missile defense system and the Theater High Altitude Area Defense are set to receive funding increases.

Check back later for a more detailed breakdown of the final bill.

Taiwan upgrading Patriot systems

Raytheon announced it has received a $27 million dollar contract to support and upgrade Taiwan’s Patriot missile defense systems. Raytheon said it will provide engineers and other technical equipment to the island.

Sanjay Kapoor, vice president of Patriot programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, “We’re very pleased that the upgrades are happening on an accelerated timeline. This will provide Taiwan with an enhanced level of security sooner than expected” and that “Upgrades ensure that Taiwan’s Patriots are fully capable of detecting, classifying and engaging all known and future hostile threats including aircraft, ballistic and cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.”

Senator Shelby on missile defense

Here is Senator Shelby’s op-ed to the University of Alabama newspaper, The Crimson White

“Threats require missile defense”

“For nearly 60 years, North Alabama has been the epicenter of our nation’s missile defense efforts. Now home to the Missile Defense Agency, Space and Missile Defense Command, Army Materiel Command and the Missile and Space Intelligence Center, Huntsville has consistently demonstrated its vital role in the research and development of hit-to-kill missile technology. Indeed, it was 25 years ago that the Army first successfully intercepted a missile with another missile. This accomplishment was once thought impossible, but the perseverance and intelligence of the Huntsville space, defense and engineering community demonstrated a level of achievement that would be replicated many times over in the years to come.

Huntsville’s efforts have undoubtedly enhanced the safety and security of our nation against threats from rogue nations such as Iran and North Korea. In the wake of several recent missile tests in North Korea, now is not the time to curtail these efforts. We must do more.

The current administration’s budget proposal reduces or eliminates several key programs critical to our national missile defense efforts. The reduction of Ground-based Midcourse Defense funding and the termination of both the Kinetic Energy Interceptor and Multiple Kill Vehicle programs are clearly the wrong steps to take at the wrong time.

Without question, we simply cannot roll back the progress we have made when our enemies are advancing their missile and nuclear capabilities. Today, there are 27 countries that have ballistic missile capability. Iran, China and Pakistan have all tested their capabilities in an effort to show the world that they too have achieved a certain level of missile technology. More importantly, North Korea not only tested several missiles in April, but detonated a nuclear weapon in May. These examples vividly illustrate the overarching reason the United States needs a strong missile defense system — the threat of a missile strike is real.

North Korea’s clear act of aggression should strengthen our resolve for a stronger national security strategy. We have made great strides over the past decade due in large part to the work of those in Alabama. Taking away from these efforts only reduces the level of protection afforded to the citizens of our country. Missile defense is critical to our national defense, and we must continue to develop an integrated, layered defense, especially in light of very real and ongoing threats around the world.”

Click here to view the original article

33 Minutes: A reader

Check out this reader that has almost all the information you need to know about missile defense.  It lays the foundation for a complete understanding of the logic behind and the history of missile defense. It also traces recent developments and deployments of missile defense systems.

The reader is broken up into easily digestible articles and topics of the eighteen chapters range from the technical feasibility of missile defense, to its deployment, to weaponizing space.  Contributors include some of our country’s foremost experts on missile defense like Charles Krauthammer, the Honorable Jeff Sessions, Stephen J. Hadley Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D. Baker Spring and Peter Brookes among many others. Overall, a must read!

Senators Fight Cuts to the National Missile Defense System

Senators Fight Cuts to Missile Defense Systems

July 23, 2009

IN FOCUS: Senate amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Missile defense supporters in the House and Senate have been unsuccessful in restoring the $1.2 billion in cuts to missile defense, but they are still working. While the House failed to restore funding, the Senate continues to debate. Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) is leading the bi-partisan effort to restore funding to the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system (GMD). He has proposed two amendments to forestall the cuts that would lower our national defenses by 32 percent.  In addition, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) have managed to get an amendment passed supporting European missile defense.

STATUS: The Senate’s version of the NDAA was debated on the floor this week, with two national missile defense related amendments proposed recently. Wording was recently added that supported and set aside funding for the European missile defense site. The NDAA has passed the House without the GMD changes.

RECENT ACTIVITY: The Senate Armed Services Committee prevented any amendments from being added to the NDAA before passing it to the Senate floor. Sen. Begich has proposed two new amendments:

• The first requires that the General Accounting Office report to Congress on the in-progress Ballistic Missile Defense Review (BMDR) and the upcoming GMD plan
• The second has multiple parts:

1. Requires that the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) production line remain active until the BMDR is completed and the Department of Defense has established the number of interceptors needed for national defense
2. Prevents the closing of missile field one at Fort Greeley until missile field two has bee upgraded with seven new silos
3. Prevents irreversible decisions by the DOD related to the missile field two

In addition, the Senate passed an amendment from Sen. Lieberman and Sen. Sessions yesterday that reserved $353.1 million for a European missile defense system and expressed support of the plan to put a system in Poland and the Czech Republic. It also stressed the threat from Iran to Europe and the U.S.

BACKGROUND: Missile defense advocates in the Senate are trying to restore funding to the GMD

• The current NDAA has a $1.2 billion cut to missile defense, primarily national missile defense
• A version of the NDAA has passed the House without the restoration of funding
• Attempts to restore funding in both houses have been largely thwarted
• Funding has been set aside for European missile defense
• The proposed amendments would be a step toward restoring GMD funding

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MISSILE DEFENSE AND YOU: By forestalling the finalization of cuts till after the BMDR, the proposed amendments provide that the conclusions of the BMDR could help quickly restore cuts to missile defense and they provide time to build support in Congress. The amendments have the potential to improve the security of the entire nation.

WHAT’S NEXT: The NDAA is on the Senate floor this week. Amendments related to missile defense have yet to be voted on. A final vote on the NDAA may come next week.

Go here to read the Begich amendments and the Lieberman-Sessions amendment in full

*for detailed, up-to-the-minute information and coverage, read our blog and our site

MDAA Efforts

MDAA President Riki Ellison has been working with members of Congress to find a way to restore missile defense funding. He recently had meetings with a number of Senators (see below for list). He has been in regular contact with Sen. Begich’s office on the efforts to prevent cuts to the national missile defense system. He spoke last week at the Dakota Defense Alliance Conference.

MDAA has attended hearings and conferences to keep up to date on all sides of missile defense.

Recent meetings and events:

• Dakota Defense Alliance Conference
• Heritage Foundation event for educating college students
• Sen. Begich (D-AK)
• Sen. Murkowski (R-AK)
• Sen. Feinstein (D-CA)
• Sen. Burr (R-NC)
• Sen. Kyl (R-AZ)
• Sen. Vitter (R-LA)
• Sen. Lieberman (I-CT)

In just eight months on the job, Sen. Begich has made himself a prominent figure in the missile defense debate. He is fighting for the national missile defense system and the emplacement of all 44 of the proposed missiles for the system. He has taken the lead on recent amendments to the NDAA.

For upcoming events, go to the MDAA Calendar

For more information on news and MDAA activities, check out our blog and our newsletter

What can YOU do?

Contact your Senators and Representatives

Riki Ellison is available for on-the-record interviews. Call Mike Terrill at 602 885-1955 to arrange.

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