IN THE NEWS
While we continue to fight guerrillas and terrorists across the world, the testing of anti-ballistic missile systems continues. The hurdles yet to be crossed sound like the ones that the Pentagon and defense contractors keep promising they will cross any time now. Unfortunately, many of these stubborn problems have been dogging the ABM program for years, even decades.
Don't get me wrong--I'd rather that we figure out how to knock down missiles fired against us by some future adversary. I also fully understand just how long it's likely to take to develop these systems. However, every day that we spend in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hotspots deepens the impending defense budget crisis that will force Americans to ask themselves, How much can we really afford to spend on ABM programs?
The Airborne Laser prototype is probably going to be mounted in the 747 this year, though, several more should be in production by the end of the decade. Being able to hit boost phase missiles will be much more efficient than trying to hit a warhead streaking back to earth accompanied by scores of decoys.
Posted by: Andrew Reeves | 01/20/2006 at 10:17
I had heard that the ABL program had some operational and technical issues, not the least of which was cost...
some more details here.
http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2006-01-18T002844Z_01_N17345403_RTRIDST_0_ARMS-LASERS.XML
Posted by: J. | 01/23/2006 at 05:46