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President Ronald Reagan got the ball rolling on the development of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) with his Strategic Defense Initiative in 1983. Twenty-five years after he proposed that the U.S. focus on strategic defense rather than offense, the number of countries with ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons has increased.

Thirty-six years ago (1972), nine countries had ballistic missile capability, including China, Germany, Russia, and the US. In 2007, over 20 countries had this capability, including India, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.

In 1972, only six countries could be described as nuclear states: China, France, Israel, Russia, the UK, and the US. In 2007, three countries were added to the list: India, North Korea, Pakistan.

Some of these countries are allies; others are not. It’s up the MDA to develop missile defense technology and to train a workforce committed to protecting us from foreign enemies.

1. The Missile Age 1972 (PDF)

2. The New Missile Age 2007 (PDF)

3. Nuclear States in the Missile Age 1972 (PDF)

4. Nuclear States in the New Missile Age 2007 (PDF)

 
Yesterday, India received a bit of good news. 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.
 
Will the U.S. and India join together in a nuclear pact? That remains to be seen. 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.”
 
Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama “welcomed” the waiver. While McCain spoke of partnership between the two countries, Obama urged congressional action first. Prime Minister Singh will travel to the U.S. this month to meet with President Bush.
 
Sources: AFP and The Economic Times