
By the end of 2004, the MDA plans to have in place 10 ground-based interceptors at Ft. Greeley, Alaska, and another 10 at Vandenberg Air Force base in California, to shoot down long-range missiles; 20 SM3 interceptors on nine converted Aegis cruisers and 192 upgraded Patriot PAC3 missiles to shoot down short-range missiles; and the associated radars to go with them. The 1972 ABM Treaty, were it still in effect, would have prohibited all these measures: Various articles barred the creation of new ground sites for anti-ballistic-missile systems as well as any testing or deployment of ABM components at sea. The budget envisions—and contains some preliminary funding for—a schedule that goes out to 2010, by which time more interceptors, more sensors, and the beginnings of space-based weapons will be gradually incorporated.
feedback | help | advertise | newsletters | mobile | make Slate your homepage
User Agreement and Privacy Policy | All rights reserved