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** Missile Defense Agency director Army Lt. General Patrick J. O’Reilly announced that it successfully fired the Airborne Laser megawatt-class weapons system through the aircraft turret during ground tests at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Download the press release (PDF) for details.

** Although the upper chamber of the Czech Republic’s parliament recently approved the missile defense base deal reached between the Czech Republic and the U.S., the lower house will need to approve the deal before preparations can begin.

Missile defense base plans for the Czech Republic and Poland cannot go forward until both houses of parliaments approve the agreements. (AP)

** South Korea is gearing up to guard against missile attacks from North Korea. The country’s air force has received the first shipment of Patriot missiles from Germany. These used missiles, made in the U.S., will replace South Korea’s aging Nike air defense missiles.

Like Russia, North Korea views South Korea’s plans to defend itself as a threat. Consequently, North Korea has announced “strict curbs on cross-border movements from December 1.” (AFP)

** Boeing’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) missile defense operations in Alaska have accounted for over $246 million for the state, according to a new study. Operations resulted in about $52 million in payroll, $72 million in household earnings, and $9 million in state and local taxes.

From the study:

“Of particular interest is the effect in rural areas of Alaska, where the economic activity stimulated by Boeing has offered stable, high-paying employment for residents whose options are very limited,” Hans Geier, an economics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks said in the report. “This has allowed many families to remain in these local and rural communities, supporting property values, preserving indigenous businesses, local governments and other services.” (UPI)