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– Aviation Week reports that the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is preparing to launch billions of dollars worth of missile defense projects, even as the MDA deals with contractors building parts that don’t hold up.

– The MDA awarded U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin awarded a $69.8 million contract to develop land-based version of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.

– India seeks to develop laser-guided anti-ballistic missiles to combat incoming missiles. Earlier this year, India tested a missile interceptor defense shield, designed to detect and destroy incoming ballistic missiles, but the test failed after radar lost track of the Prithvi 2 target missile.

– Conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly shared her opposition to the new START. An excerpt:

“The Russians are salivating at the thought that the New START proclaims their victory in their long-running battle to kill U.S. missile defenses. For decades, Russia’s primary goal was to stop the United States from building any anti-missile capability.

“Ronald Reagan’s adamant refusal to give up his Strategic Defense Initiative was the principal reason he won the Cold War (without firing a shot, as Margaret Thatcher said). But now Barack Obama is casually willing to abandon our right to build defensive weapons…New START doesn’t make nukes obsolete, it just tries to ensure that the U.S. and Russia have an equal capacity to destroy each other. Most important, New START does nothing whatever to protect us from a nuclear Iran or North Korea or Syria or even China.”

Earlier this week, India tested its missile interceptor defense shield, designed to detect and destroy incoming ballistic missiles, but the test failed after radar lost track of the Prithvi 2 target missile (nuclear-capable). The interceptors weren’t launched. (Source: AFP)

India is developing weapons to protect itself from China and Pakistan. Last November, India test-fired a nuclear-capable, medium-range missile, a surface-to-surface Agni-II with a warhead range of 1,560 miles.

The Heritage Foundation’s Lisa Curtis and James Carafano wrote an article about directed-energy (laser) missile defense and cooperation between the U.S. and India in developing this technology. They noted the versatility of both low- and high-powered lasers, which can neutralize ballistic missile threats from a range of sources. In lieu of a full-scale retaliation, high-powered lasers can limit the scope of reprisals and contain the inevitable damage.

In 2008, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, comprised of 45 countries, lifted a three-decade ban on nuclear trading with India. The country first tested an atomic bomb in 1974 and again in 1988. India refused to sign non-proliferation agreements. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the lifted ban “marks the end of India’s decades-long isolation from the nuclear mainstream.” He added, “It is a recognition of India’s impeccable non-proliferation credentials and its status as a state with advanced nuclear technology. It will give an impetus to India’s pursuit of environmentally sustainable economic growth.” Singh traveled to the U.S. and met with President George Bush.

Back in January, the Heritage Foundation’s Lisa Curtis and James Carafano wrote an article about directed-energy (laser) missile defense and cooperation between the U.S. and India in developing this technology. They noted the versatility of both low- and high-powered lasers, which can neutralize ballistic missile threats from a range of sources. In lieu of a full-scale retaliation, high-powered lasers can limit the scope of reprisals and contain the inevitable damage.

India’s back in the news. Defense News reports that India recently test-fired a nuclear-capable, medium-range missile, a surface-to-surface Agni-II with a warhead range of 1,560 miles. Additionally, India has the Agni-III, which has a range of about 1,864 miles.

India is developing weapons to protect itself from China and Pakistan. See the Office of Naval Intelligence’s report on China’s navy.

>> This weekend the New York Times published a story that highlighted opposing reactions to North Korea’s recent rocket launch. While some considered the launch a failure because the rocket didn’t reach its target, others see the bigger picture: North Korea’s willingness to continue developing and testing its ballistic missile capability.

Missile defense naysayer Philip E. Coyle III said, “The advocates [of missile defense] want to scare people, so they hype the threat.”

Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance president Riki Ellison said, “North Korea has successfully tested a long-range ballistic missile. This success coupled with the North Korean nuclear weapons makes North Korea a nuclear threat.” (NYT)

>> The Missile Defense Agency announced that the Airborne Laser (ABL) prototype aircraft achieved flight certification last week as it returned to Edwards Air Force Base. Called a critical milestone, the ABL integrated aboard a 747 aircraft will provide “speed of light capability” against missiles in the boost phase and other missions. (MDA)

>> RIA Novosti reports that Turkey, a member of NATO, wants to buy S-400 Triumf air defense systems from Russia. An unnamed source implied such a sale would be complicated. NATO and Russia don’t see eye-to-eye on U.S. plans to build missile defense shields in Poland and the Czech Republic.

“We have explained to Turkish officials that S-400 is not just a simple air defense system but an element of strategic missile defenses, which can be placed in one country but protect the airspace over a number of neighboring countries,” he said. (RIA Novosti)

>> Israel has agreed to supply India with missile defense technology in an effort to boost strategic ties between the two countries. Both countries face missile threats from Muslim countries. India will receive Barak ground-to-air missiles from Israel. (ISN)

 
The Heritage Foundation‘s Lisa Curtis and James Carafano have written an article that appears on FrontPage Magazine about directed-energy (laser) missile defense and cooperation between the U.S. and India in developing this technology.

“The United States is a global leader in directed-energy defenses, including both low and high-powered lasers,” they write. “American military research is also highly advanced in the technologies of acquiring targets as well as the command, control, and battle management systems necessary to identify and direct weapons to destroy missiles and other targets.”

Curtis and Carafano note the versatility of both low- and high-powered lasers, which can neutralize ballistic missile threats from a range of sources. In lieu of a full-scale retaliation, high-powered lasers can limit the scope of reprisals and contain the inevitable damage.

Whether or not we’re forced to use these weapons, having them provides a security of its own. “A world with effective missile defenses is safer and more stable.”

The U.S. is developing a system that uses a megawatt chemical laser mounted on a modified Boeing 747 called the Airborne Laser (ABL). The ABL is capable of shooting down theater ballistic missiles. Cooperation between the U.S. and India as they develop laser missile defense technology will no doubt help stabilize Asia as well as secure our homeland.

Read the rest at FrontPage Magazine.

 
**Good news for U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin. The company likely will post higher 4th quarter earnings, a trend that began under President George Bush. In fact, its earnings more than doubled under Bush. The higher profits may continue under Barack Obama. Bloomberg reports that Lockheed’s earnings rose one percent to $1.91.

Boston-based analyst Cai Von Rumohr said, “Defense stocks were pretty awful in the fourth quarter on a growing recognition of pension issues and concern Obama would be worse for the industry…With Obama wanting to create jobs it’s much less likely he’ll be looking at the defense budget as a way to save money. That would be counterproductive.” (Bloomberg)

**In other Lockheed news, UPI reports that the company’s F-35 stealth Lightning Joint Strike Fighter is designed to destroy Russia’s S-300, some of which Russia may have sold to rogue state Iran. With Israel in Syria’s and Iran’s sights, the U.S. is ready, willing, and able to supply our ally with missile defense technology like the F-35. (UPI)

**According to the AFP, India’s latest missile defense test was a failure. Indian scientists said the Russia/India-developed BrahMos missile “had flown only in the general direction of its target.” The missile was fired from the Pokhran range near the Pakistan border. (AFP)

Incidentally, India has been in talks with the U.S. to buy a missile defense system. An American embassy official reportedly said, “India is a partner of ours, and we want to provide it with whatever it needs to protect itself…This fits into the overall strategic partnership we are building.”

 
**U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $6.3 million contract to provide support for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System work on the Ticonderoga Class guided missile cruiser modernization program, as well as Turkey’s MEKO Track IIA and IIB frigates.

Lockheed’s vice president and general manager Dan Schultz said, “The MK 41 is the world’s most reliable below-deck, multi-mission naval missile launching system with a launch success rate of more than 99 percent.” (defense.professionals)

**A Kansas City Star editor says President-elect Barack Obama should move forward on missile defense, and that he has a “tendency to straddle the missile-defense issue.” He notes, as we have, that Russia has threatened to install missiles near Poland if the U.S. moves forward with its plan to build a missile defense shield in the country. Obama’s support for the plan is lukewarm at best and apathetic at worst.

Message for Obama:

“With the Iranians proceeding on their missile technology and nuclear programs, it would be better to have a Central European missile defense capability operational sooner rather than later.” (McClatchy Newspapers)

**Last week we blogged India and the U.S. meeting to discuss India buying missile defense shields from us. Both countries signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement last October after more than three decades of sanctions. A senior official in Pakistan, India’s rival, said his country would “have to take counter-measures to respond…For the past many years, we have been considering the possibility of such an outcome one day.”

Journalist Peter J. Brown said China may have problems with India’s missile plans. He writes: “The US seems determined to surround China with US-built anti-missile systems. Using North Korea as a valid excuse at first, the US anti-missile footprint could soon extend from Japan – including Japanese cruisers stationed offshore – and South Korea to Taiwan and India .” (Asia Times)

 
India

Just as our country’s plans to install missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic have angered Russia, our possible deal to sell a defense system to India certainly will anger Pakistan, India’s rival.

India has been in talks with the U.S. to buy the system. An American embassy official reportedly said, ”India is a partner of ours, and we want to provide it with whatever it needs to protect itself…”This fits into the overall strategic partnership we are building.”

The BBC reports that a senior Pakistani official said his country would “have to take counter-measures to respond…For the past many years, we have been considering the possibility of such an outcome one day.”

The U.S. and India signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement last October after more than three decades of sanctions.

Aegis

The Navy Times reports that the U.S. Department of Defense will install Aegis ballistic missile defense technology on up to four additional warships. If the installations go forward, the U.S. will have 21 warships equipped with Aegis technology. (Source)

Last summer, Adm. Alan Hicks, program director for Aegis ballistic missile defense said, ” I believe near term that we need an additional four to six Atlantic Fleet ships in order to give the necessary flexibility to the fleet commander to keep the presence forward.”

Installing a missile defense system on one warship costs upwards of $12 million. The systems serve as protection against missile attacks from countries like North Korea.

 
**In an op-ed in the Opinion Journal, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton writes about President-Elect Obama’s visit to Polish President Lech Kaczynski, which we briefly mentioned this week. Bolton noted that although Obama didn’t commit to the planned missile defense shield in Poland, Kaczynski is under the impression that the project will move forward. In fact, Obama was explicit about not committing.

“Mr. Obama contradicted a head of state, clinging to a campaign position that could most kindly be described as weak and ambiguous,” Bolton writes. “The statement also reflected a naiveté in the structuring of such transition conversations — and future dealings with truly unfriendly foreign leaders — that could have been avoided.”

**On Wednesday, India successfully test-fired a surface-to-surface missile called Shourya, which has a range of 375 miles. The missile was fired from Balasore in eastern Orissa state. The missile is designed to protect against attacks from Pakistan, India’s rival. The two countries engaged in battle three times since gaining independent from Great Britain in 1947. Since 1994, they’ve held peace talks. (AP)

**On that same day, Iran test-fired a new missile (successfully?), which has a range close to 1,200 miles. With that capacity, the missile can reach Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf region. The U.S. suspects Iran may be building atomic weapons, which Iran denies. Although our new president has been critical of the current president’s policy, he has not ruled out “military action” should the U.S. discover that Iran is covertly building a nuclear arsenal. (Reuters)

Russia rolls on with its joint missile development plans. RIA Novosti reports that Russia and India will be developing a new BrahMos-2 hypersonic cruise missile. BrahMos Aerospace CEO Sivathanu Pillai, said, “The new hypersonic missile will have a top speed of over Mach 5, which would make it impossible to intercept.”

BrahMos is owned by Russia and India, and it makes and markets BrahMos supersonic missiles. The missile has a range of 180 miles and the capacity to carry  a conventional warhead of up to 660 pounds. (Source: RIA Novosti)

UPI is reporting that Iran is planning to launch a satellite using a new booster rocket. According to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the 16-motor space vehicle will have a boost range of 420 miles. This is Iran’s third launch this year. (Source: UPI)

According to a new report by the State Department, the U.S. needs to build new advanced weapon systems in response to China’s build-up of nuclear weapons. Although U.S. policy acknowledges the need to defend against Iran and North Korea, the report is the first to include China. The Washington Times, which based the story on a draft of the report, notes that China’s defense strategy extends beyond retaking Taiwan. (Last month we told you that Taiwan’s new president, Ma Ying-jeou, wants his country and China to enter into a peaceful relationship.)

An excerpt from the Washington Times:

“The draft report presents a tough assessment of Chinese strategic modernization that goes beyond many current government and private-sector analyses that say that China’s military modernization does not pose a major challenge to U.S. security interests.

“For example, in an interview with The Washington Times in March, CIA Director Michael V. Hayden expressed professional ‘admiration’ for China’s rapid and sophisticated buildup and said it is ‘not inevitable that they will be an enemy.’ The report said that to reduce the chance of a miscalculation by China that could lead to a crisis or conflict, the United States ‘must take seriously China’s challenge to U.S. military superiority in the Asia-Pacific region. … China’s military modernization is proceeding at a rate … to be of concern even with the most benign interpretation of China’s motivation.’” (Source: Washington Times)