Pentagon Activates Missile Defenses For North Korean Launch

The Pentagon recently activated its global missile shield in anticipation of North Korea’s launch of a long-range missile, according to defense officials.

Budget gridlock imperils national defense, Arms systems cuts look likely

Defense analysts and Capitol Hill insiders are anticipating that automatic federal budget cuts will occur Jan. 1 and force the armed forces to scrap plans for new weapons systems.

Panetta Goes Nuclear on Budget Talks

 

The Pentagon says it will have to eliminate major military programs including ground-based nuclear missiles and the next generation of fighter jets if Congress makes further military cuts.

S. Korea, U.S. to Conduct Exercise on Deterrence

 

SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) — South Korea and the United States will carry out a joint exercise next week on shaping deterrence strategies to counter North Korean threats, the defense ministry here said Friday.

Panetta, Serdyukov discuss missile shield

Anatoly Serdyukov

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and his U.S. counterpart Leon Panetta have discussed issues of international security and the proposed European missile defense shield.

Panetta to Outline Views on Asia, Defense Budget to Committee

CIA Director Leon Panetta, nominated to replace outgoing Sec. of Defense Robert Gates

By Tony Capaccio

CIA Director Leon Panetta has promised to support improvements in the U.S. missile defense program if confirmed to succeed Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Bloomberg

North Korea’s ballistic missile program, nuclear enrichment activities and 1 million troops are a “growing and direct threat” to the U.S., according to CIA Director Leon Panetta, nominated to succeed Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

“I intend to monitor the security situation closely and maintain the capabilities necessary to protect our interests, defend our allies and deter North Korea,” Panetta said in written answers to questions posed by the Senate Armed Services Committee in advance of his testimony today before the panel.