Missile defense systems by country

Last updated

Countries which developed missile defence system Countries with missile defense system.png
Countries which developed missile defence system

Missile defense systems are a type of missile defense intended to shield a country against incoming missiles, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) or other ballistic missiles. The United States, Russia, India, France, Israel, Italy, United Kingdom, China and Iran have all developed missile defense systems.

Contents

Definitions

The role of defense against nuclear missiles has been a heated military and political topic for several decades. However, missile defense is no longer limited to interception of strategic nuclear weapons. The gradual development and proliferation of missile technology has blurred the line between the technologies for the interception of tactical missiles (usually short to intermediate range with non-nuclear payloads) and the interception of strategic missiles (usually long ranged with nuclear payloads). High-performance tactical ballistic missiles carrying non-nuclear payloads now have the ability to affect strategic balance in conflict zones. Likewise, high-performance tactical missile defense systems can now influence force deployment strategies.

Europe

France, Italy, and UK

HMS Diamond (D34) a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer equipped with the Sylver A-50 VLS and Aster 15 and 30 missiles. Diamond fired her missiles for the first time during May 2012 successfully intercepting a Mirach drone. HMS Diamond in the Middle East during August 2012.jpg
HMS Diamond (D34) a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer equipped with the Sylver A-50 VLS and Aster 15 and 30 missiles. Diamond fired her missiles for the first time during May 2012 successfully intercepting a Mirach drone.

The UK, France and Italy developed a programme called PAAMS (also known as Sea Viper in the UK) in the late 1990s. It was developed to arm the Horizon-class frigate (a joint programme between the UK, France and Italy). The UK dropped out of the frigate programme after collective differences remained unsolved, and instead decided to design and build its own Type 45 destroyer which would still use the PAAMS missile system. France and Italy, following this departure, incorporated a ground-launched anti-ballistic missile system into the plans, and developed SAMPT – a truck-launched anti-ballistic missile system which used PAAMS technology.

Germany and other countries

Since October 2022, 22 European states have joined the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative for procuring and maintaining air defence systems collectively. [3]

India

Two systems are in planning and testing stages. The air defence network has two principal components – the 'Air Defence Ground Environment System' (ADGES) and the 'Base Air Defence Zones' (BADZ). The ADGES network provides for wide area radar coverage and permits the detection and interception of most aerial incursions into Indian airspace. The BADZ system is considerably more concentrated with radars, interceptors, SAMs and AAA units working together to provide an intense defensive barrier to attacks on vital targets. [4]

The Indian Air Defence is deployed as a tiered system.

  1. Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme (under development)
  2. Long-range Air Defence – S-400, Project Kusha (under development)
  3. Medium-range Air Defence – Barak 8, Akash NG (user trails)
  4. Short-range Air Defence (point defence) – QRSAM, Akash, S-125 Pechora (to be retired) and others

Ballistic missile defence

Launching of Advanced Air Defense (AAD) missile AAD Test Crop.jpg
Launching of Advanced Air Defense (AAD) missile

The Ballistic Missile Defence Program is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defense system to protect India from ballistic missile attacks. [5] [6]

Introduced in light of the ballistic missile threat from Pakistan, [7] it is a double-tiered system consisting of two interceptor missiles, namely the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high-altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception. The missiles mentioned was developed as a part of Phase 1. The two-tiered shield should be able to intercept an incoming missile having a range of up to 2,000 kilometers. [8]

PAD was tested in November 2006, followed by AAD in December 2007. With the test of the PAD missile, India became the fourth country to have successfully developed an Anti-ballistic missile system, after United States, Russia and Israel. [9] On 6 March 2009, India again successfully tested its missile defense shield, during which a test "enemy" missile was intercepted at an altitude of 75 km. [10]

On 6 May 2012, it was announced that Phase-I is complete and can be deployed to protect two Indian cities at a short notice. [11] [12] New Delhi, the national capital, and Mumbai, had been selected for the ballistic missile defence shield. [13] After successful implementation in Delhi and Mumbai, the system will be used to cover other major cities in the country. [14] This shield can destroy incoming ballistic missiles with range up to 2,000 km. When the Phase II is completed and PDV is developed, the two anti-ballistic missiles can intercept targets up to range 5,000 km both at exo- and endo-atmospheric (inside the atmosphere) regions. [15] [16]

Apart from DRDO's endeavour to develop a potent missile defense, India is reportedly examining the Israeli Arrow, the Almaz design bureau's S-300 PMU-1/-2 and S-400 and the Antey design bureau's Antey 2500/S-300VM. [4] India has procured a squadron of S-300V systems which are in use as an 'anti-tactical ballistic missile screen'. [17] [18]

India also purchased S-400 system from Russia for US$5.4 billion in 2018. [19]

Cruise missile defence

Defending against an attack by a cruise missile on the other hand is similar to tackling low-flying manned aircraft and hence most methods of aircraft defence can be used for a cruise missile defence system. [1]

In order to ward off the threats of nuke-tipped cruise missile attack India has a new missile defence programme which will be focused solely on intercepting cruise missiles. The technological breakthrough has been created with an Advanced Air Defence missile (AAD). [20] DRDO Chief, Dr V K Saraswat stated in an Interview "Our studies have indicated that this AAD will be able to handle a cruise missile intercept," [20]

Furthermore, India is acquiring airborne radars like AWACS to ensure detection of cruise missiles in order to stay on top of the threat. [20]

Barak-8 is a long-range anti-air and anti-missile naval defence system being developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The Indian Army is considering induction of a variant of Barak 8 missile to meet its requirement for a medium-range surface-to-air air defence missile. The naval version of this missile will have the capability to intercept incoming enemy cruise missiles and combat jets targeting its warships at sea. [21] India has a joint venture for this missile with Israel. [22]

On 17 November 2010, in an interview Rafael's Vice President Mr. Lova Drori confirmed that the David's Sling system has been offered to the Indian Armed Forces. But, as of July 2024, India do not have plans to acquire the system. [23]

Israel

An Arrow anti-ballistic missile interceptor. Arrow anti-ballistic missile launch.jpg
An Arrow anti-ballistic missile interceptor.

Israel has multiple missile defense systems, covering the wide range of missile threats.

Arrow

The Arrow or Hetz (Hebrew : חֵץ, pronounced [ˈχet͡s] ) is an Israeli family of anti-ballistic missiles, partially funded by the US. [Note 1] It was designed to fulfill an Israeli requirement for a theater missile defense system. Undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, it is overseen by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's "Homa" (Hebrew : חומה, pronounced [χoma] , "rampart") administration and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

The Arrow system consists of the joint production hypersonic Arrow anti-missile interceptor, the Elta EL/M-2080 "Green Pine" early-warning AESA radar, the Tadiran Telecom "Golden Citron" ("Citron Tree") C3I center, and the Israel Aerospace Industries "Brown Hazelnut" ("Hazelnut Tree") launch control center. The system is transportable, as it can be moved to other prepared sites.

Following the construction and testing of the Arrow 1 technology demonstrator, production and deployment began with the Arrow 2 version of the missile. The Arrow is considered one of the most advanced missile defense programs currently in existence. [24]

It is the first operational missile defense system specifically designed and built to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles. [25] [26] The first Arrow battery was declared fully operational in October 2000. Although several of its components have been exported, the Israeli Air Defense Command within the Israeli Air Force (IAF) of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is currently the sole user of the complete Arrow system. Arrow 3 was declared operational on Wednesday, 18 January 2017. [27] Development of the Arrow 3 began in 2008, and it was declared operational in January 2017. [28] It flies at greater speeds, [29] and has greater range and altitude compared to the Arrow 2, intercepting ballistic missiles during the space-flight portion of their trajectory. According to the chairman of the Israeli Space Agency, Arrow 3 may serve as an anti-satellite weapon, which would make Israel one of the world's few countries capable of shooting down satellites.

The design of Arrow 3 promises to be an extremely capable system, more advanced than what we have ever attempted in the U.S. with our programs. [...] This has to do with the seekers that have greater flexibility and other aspects, such as propulsion systems – it will be an extremely capable system. [30]

David's Sling Stunner missile launch during final test David-Sling-0001.jpg
David's Sling Stunner missile launch during final test

David's Sling

David's Sling (Hebrew: קלע דוד, romanized:Kela David) is an Israel Defense Forces military system that was jointly developed by the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the American defense contractor Raytheon, designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles, fired at ranges from 40 km (24.85 miles) to 300 km (186.41 miles). Development began in 2009, and it was declared operational in April 2017 with the Israel Defense Forces.

Barak 8

Barak 8 (Hebrew: בָּרָק, lit. "Lightning"), also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM, is an Indo-Israeli jointly developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, designed to defend against any type of airborne threat including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs as well as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and combat jets. Both maritime and land-based variants of the system exist. [31] It was developed by IDF, Elta Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and India's Bharat Dynamics. [32] Currently, it is deployed by Israel solely in the Israeli Navy, though land-based versions do exist.

Iron Dome

Iron Dome battery firing IDF Iron Dome 2021.jpg
Iron Dome battery firing

Iron Dome (Hebrew: כִּפַּת בַּרְזֶל, romanized:Kippat Barzel) is a short-range artillery and rocket interception system jointly developed by the Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. Development began in 2005, and it was declared operational in March 2011. It intercepted its first rocket from Gaza in April of that year, and since then has had a success rate of over 90%.

Iron Beam

Iron Beam (Hebrew: קֶרֶן בַּרְזֶל, Keren Barzel), officially מגן אור (Magen Or, lit. "Light Shield"), is a directed-energy weapon air defense system which was unveiled at the Singapore Airshow on 11 February 2014 by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar bombs; it has a range of up to 7 km (4.3 mi), too close for the Iron Dome system to intercept projectiles effectively. In addition, the system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). [33] The system is projected to cost under $3 US per interception, and could become operational by 2024.

Russia

S-300PMU-2 vehicles. From left to right: 64N6E2 detection radar, 54K6E2 command post and 5P85 TEL. S-300PMU2 complex.jpg
S-300PMU-2 vehicles. From left to right: 64N6E2 detection radar, 54K6E2 command post and 5P85 TEL.
S-400 vehicles. From left to right: 6P80 TEL, 65N6 detection radar. S-400 Triumf with 96L6.jpg
S-400 vehicles. From left to right: 6P80 TEL, 65N6 detection radar.

The Russian A-135 anti-ballistic missile system is currently operational only around the city of Moscow, the national capital, and is being augmented to protect major cities in Russia. The A-135 anti-ballistic missile system is a Russian military complex deployed around Moscow to counter enemy missiles targeting the city or its surrounding areas. It became operational during 1995. It is a successor to the previous A-35, and compliant with the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty from which the US unilaterally withdrew in 2002. [34]

The A-135 system attained "alert" (operational) status on 17 February 1995. It is currently operational although its 53T6 (NATO:SH-11) component is deactivated (as of February 2007). A newer missile is expected to replace it. There is an operational test version of the system at the test site in Sary Shagan, Kazakhstan.

The S-300PMU1 and PMU2 can intercept SRBMs, and the S-300V and S-400 Triumf systems are capable of intercepting a multiple IRBM attack by all DF-21 model IRBMs. [34] These air-defense systems have been purchased by Turkey, India, China, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Other countries which have also expressed interest include Iran and Belarus.

The enhanced S-300VM/VMK is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles with a range of 2,500 km re-entry speeds of 4.5 km/s, whereas the S-400 is claimed to be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles with a range of 3,500 km which equates to re-entry speeds of 4.8 to 5 km/s. A system designed to intercept warheads at 5 km/s has the ability to act as a point system against simple ICBM warheads which have a typical re-entry speed of 7 km/s. [34] Apart from the main Moscow deployment, Russia has striven actively for intrinsic ABM capabilities of its late model SAM systems. Russian ground based theatre defence against ballistic and cruise missiles are centered on the in-service

United States

A Payload Launch Vehicle (PLV) carrying a prototype exo-atmospheric kill vehicle is launched from Meck Island at the Kwajalein Missile Range on 3 December 2001, for an intercept of a ballistic missile target over the central Pacific Ocean. EKV prototype launch.jpg
A Payload Launch Vehicle (PLV) carrying a prototype exo-atmospheric kill vehicle is launched from Meck Island at the Kwajalein Missile Range on 3 December 2001, for an intercept of a ballistic missile target over the central Pacific Ocean.

The U.S. Sentinel program was a planned national missile defense during the 1970s, but was never deployed. Elements of Sentinel were actually deployed briefly as the Safeguard Program, although it was not national in scope. United States has had in development a nationwide antimissile program since the 1990s. After the renaming in 2002, the term now refers to the entire program, not just the ground-based interceptors and associated facilities.

Other elements yet to be integrated into National Missile Defense (NMD) may include anti-ballistic missiles, or sea-based, space-based, laser, and high-altitude missile systems. The NMD program is limited in scope and designed to counter a relatively small ICBM attack from a less sophisticated adversary. Unlike the earlier Strategic Defense Initiative program, it is not designed to be a robust shield against a large attack from a technically sophisticated adversary. [35]

As of 2012, this system is operational with limited capability. In early April 2013, the Pentagon announced plans to deploy 14 more Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) missiles to Alaska in response to the North Korean threats to deliver nuclear weapons to the United States. [36] A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery was deployed to Guam as well. [37]

China

The PLA currently possesses the KT series of anti ballistic missiles and also has adopted limited anti ballistic capabilities on the HQ-9, KS series, and HQ-16 systems.

China tested the FJ ABM during the Cold War but the project was ultimately cancelled.

Four versions of the S-300 are in service, the PMU, PMU1 and PMU2 and the navalised S-300FM Rif. Based on the S-300PMU1, the Rif equips the PLAN's two Type 51C Luzhou air-defense destroyers enabling them to contribute to the protection of a coastal site against SRBM attack. [34] The S-300PMU2 has the best chance of intercepting an SRBM missile as it employs the 48N6E2 missile which has a warhead optimized for destroying ballistic missiles, and better kinematics compared to earlier 48N6 missiles. [34]

HQ-9 may have some ABM capability. [Note 2] [34] New missiles, the HQ-19, HQ-26, and HQ-29, are being built. [38]

On 11 January 2007 the Chinese successfully performed an anti-satellite missile test [39] using a KT-1 [Note 3] missile with a Kinetic Kill Vehicle mounted. [34]

In 2010, China successfully tested its exoatmospheric interception capabilities, being the second country after the United States to do so. The system was again successfully tested on and 27 January 2013 [40] and 8 September 2017.

Iran

After the Russian ban on exporting S-300 to Iran (which was lifted in 2015), Iran decided to develop a similar system domestically: "We have planned to build a long-range air defence missile system similar to S-300. By God's grace and by the Iranian engineers' efforts, we will reach self-sufficiency in this regard." [41]

Khordad 15

Iranian Khordad 15 7-15 Khordad air missile system-smnh mwshkhy hwyy 15 khrdd.jpg
Iranian Khordad 15

The Khordad 15 is an Iranian designed and built surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. [42] [43] The system was unveiled to the public on 9 June 2019 in an address made by Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami in Tehran, Iran. The system was developed by the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO). It shall have the capability to detect and intercept fighter jets, stealth targets, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) and cruise missiles. It operates in conjunction with Sayyad-3 missiles. The surface-to-air missile system was developed in order to counter missiles and other aerial threats presented by the presence of extra-regional forces at military bases in countries around Iran.[ citation needed ] It was unveiled amid escalating tensions with the United States and Europe's failing attempts at upholding its commitments to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Bavar-373

Bavar-373 is an Iranian long-range road-mobile surface-to-air missile system unveiled in August 2016. Iran describes it as a competitor with the S-300 missile system. It is manufactured by the Iranian Defence Ministry in cooperation with unspecified local manufacturers and universities.

The system was formally unveiled during a ceremony attended on 22 August 2019, and was declared operational the same day.

An upgraded version was unveiled in 2022. Iran described it as a competitor with the S-400 and said it is capable of shooting down Fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

The first prototype was built on 22 November 2011. Iran announced that the system was designed and built by defense ministry, domestic industries and some Iranian universities. Esmaieli said that Iran doesn't even think about S-300 anymore as Bavar-373 was much more capable. Iranian sources suggest that the Bavar 373 will be mobile, with four missiles loaded on each mobile truck launcher.[ citation needed ]

Taiwan

Taiwan operates the Sky Bow family of BMD systems. [44] Development of Sky Bow I began in 1981 with deployment beginning in 1993. The Sky Bow II is an improved version of the Sky Bow I. Both the Sky Bow I and Sky Bow II use a common silo launch system.

In 2001 development of the completely new Sky Bow III system began with flight testing commencing in 2009 and deployment soon after. The Sky Bow III has a top speed of Mach 7. [45] A naval variant of the Sky Bow III has also been developed. [46]

In addition to the BMD force the Army operates the Antelope air defence system which has a significant anti-cruise missile capability. [47] The ROCAF also operates imported Patriot PAC-3 batteries.

Other developments

Japan

In 2018, the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), initiated their 54th year of Hawk system and missile training at Fort Bliss. [48] In 2016, the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF), and also the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), initiated their 52nd year [49] of annual live-fire missile launches at McGregor Range, New Mexico in Fort Bliss. [50] The 2014 annual service practice of the PAC-3 Patriot missile demonstrated a 100 percent kill rate before a group which included the commanding generals of White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), and of the 32nd Army Air & Missile Defense Command (AAMDC). Every JASDF Patriot team participated in the annual exercise, which takes several months. [51]

Since 1998, when North Korea launched a Taepodong-1 missile over northern Japan, the Japanese have been jointly developing a new surface-to-air interceptor known as the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) with the US. So far tests have been successful, and there are planned 11 locations that the PAC-3 will be installed. A military spokesman [52] said that tests had been done on two sites, one of them a business park in central Tokyo, and Ichigaya – a site not far from the Imperial Palace. Along with the PAC-3, Japan has installed the US-developed Aegis ship-based anti-ballistic missile system, which was tested successfully on 18 December 2007. The missile was launched from a Japanese warship, in partnership with the US Missile Defense Agency and destroyed a mock target launched from the coast.

In the 2010s, Japan consulted with the United States to possibly deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and a ground-based version of the Standard Missile-3 interceptors mounted on Aegis destroyers. In a joint US-Japan test of Standard Missile-3 Block IIa, a medium-range ballistic missile was successfully intercepted on 3 February 2017. [53] [54] Japan's intention is to create a four-stage anti-missile shield. [55] [56] In 2020, Japan scrapped plans to buy the land-based Aegis Ashore system from the US, stating the system would be too costly and time-consuming. [57]

A U.S. plan to increase PAC-3 Patriot missile production in Japan is delayed due to a critical seeker component shortage from Boeing. Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries can double its PAC-3 output to 60 per year, but expansion hinges on additional seeker supplies, highlighting supply chain challenges. [58]

South Korea

Like the UAE (see below), South Korea has agreed to deploy THAAD systems. [59] The agreement was announced in July 2016. [60]

A kinetic-kill defense such as THAAD destroys high-value incoming missiles by colliding with them. The agreement came after a North Korean intermediate-range ballistic missile launch in June 2016; China has rebuked the actions of the involved parties, [61] as destabilizing. South Korean military sources responded that a 12 February 2017 launch by North Korea represented a new technology, a 'cold launch' using compressed gas before the solid-fuel rocket ignition. [62] This type of launch is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) technology. [62] China responded to the North Korean launch by cutting off their import of North Korean coal, which is 50% of North Korea's income. [63] [64] On 6 March 2017, North Korea launched four missiles from Tongchang-ri, [65] a known long-range missile site at 7:36 a.m. local time, one of which landed in the Sea of Japan, with the remaining three missiles landing in Japan's economic zone. [66] A fifth North Korean missile failed to launch. [67]

That day, the first vehicles of a THAAD battery deployed to South Korea. Two launcher trucks arrived at Osan Air Base, South Korea, on 6 March 2017. [67] [68] By 6 September 2017 the AN/TPY-2 radar, the fire control system, and all six launchers (with 48 THAAD interceptors) were fully deployed. [69]

South Korea is also developing several indigenous short-range BMD systems, under its Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system scheduled to be deployed by the early 2020s. KAMD  [ ko ] (Korea Air and Missile Defense) is a multi-platform, short-range air and missile defense concept that South Korea has been developing since 2006 to enhance its protection against DPRK SRBMs, cruise missiles, and light aircraft. South Korea is developed the Cheongung Korean medium-range surface-to-air missile (KM-SAM), intended to intercept DPRK SRBMs and MRBMs at a relatively low altitude, similar to PAC-3. The Korean long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM), under development until 2023, will reportedly be similar to THAAD, operating in a high-altitude, terminal-phase intercept role against SRBMs and MRBMs. [70]

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has graduated its first two American Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) unit classes at Fort Bliss in 2015, and in 2016. [71] Its first live-fire exercises with Patriot missiles took place in 2014. The UAE is "the first GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) partner to possess an upper tier ballistic missile defense capability the THAAD weapon system," stated the US Army general who addressed this graduating class. [72]

Criticism

Bruno Gruselle, in 2010, noted that French policymakers considered the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty and the doctrine of mutual assured destruction to be the cornerstones of strategic stability. [73] Some French analysts, notably Camille Grand, [74] view missile defense as jeopardizing both the doctrine and the treaty, as well as risking a new arms race, [73] which is reflected in the development of advanced missile defense counter measures and decoys as well as a higher number of and more maneuverable independently targetable reentry vehicles [75] —as well as the intercept systems designed to defeat them.

Additionally, experts such as L. David Montague, retired U.S. Air Force General Eugene E. Habiger and Harvey L. Lynch question the reliability of these systems. [76] Beyond the technical difficulties, which have been described as more challenging than hitting one bullet with another, all performance data is derived from experiments and scripted tests. Their effectiveness in an actual all-out war situation is uncertain. [1] However, non-nuclear ballistic and conventional missiles have been used in recent limited regional conflicts to strategic effect. Several Houthi-fired ballistic missiles in Yemen have been intercepted by Saudi MIM-104 Patriot batteries, and Russian cruise missiles have been notably used in the Syrian Civil War.

Gruselle noted most French security experts doubted the technological feasibility of intercontinental ballistic missile defense. Some thought it foolish to spend huge amounts of money on unproven technologies that lacked operational or political usefulness. Instead, the French defense policy community viewed missile defense merely as an American "economic weapon" used to defeat the Soviet Union and win the Cold War. [77]

The extant missile defenses are currently vulnerable to maneuverable hypersonic vehicles, which can maneuver at speeds high enough to defeat missile defenses. China is among the countries pursuing hypersonic vehicles as warhead delivery systems. [78]

Yousaf Butt, a critic of missile defense, states in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists that "just as with nuclear weapons, the U.S. infatuation with missile defense will cause other nations to desire this expensive technology". [79]

Russia's top military officer has threatened to carry out a pre-emptive strike on U.S.-led NATO missile defense facilities in Eastern Europe if Washington goes ahead with its plan to build a missile shield. [80] Russian Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov also warned that talks between Moscow and Washington on the topic are "close to a dead end." [80] U.S. State Department special envoy Ellen Tauscher responded that neither country could afford another arms race. [80]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Dr. Uzi Rubin: "The Arrow program used practically no U.S. technology, just U.S. money. It was almost entirely based on Israeli technology, though we bought some components in the U.S. because they were cheaper." (2003) —source
  2. ↑ However, it is kinematically inferior to the imported Russian S-300PMU2 Favorit according to this source
  3. ↑ described by the director of United States Defense Intelligence Agency as a SC-19 missile

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anti-ballistic missile</span> Surface-to-air missile designed to counter ballistic missiles

An anti-ballistic missile (ABM) is a surface-to-air missile designed to counter ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles are used to deliver nuclear, chemical, biological, or conventional warheads in a ballistic flight trajectory. The term "anti-ballistic missile" is a generic term for a system designed to intercept and destroy any type of ballistic threat; however, it is commonly used for systems specifically designed to counter intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intercontinental ballistic missile</span> Ballistic missile with a range of more than 5,500 kilometres

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a ballistic missile with a range greater than 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi), primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery. Conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but have never been deployed on ICBMs. Most modern designs support multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRVs), allowing a single missile to carry several warheads, each of which can strike a different target. The United States, Russia, China, France, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, and North Korea are the only countries known to have operational ICBMs. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed state that does not possess ICBMs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arrow (missile family)</span> Israeli anti-ballistic missile family

The Arrow or Hetz is a family of anti-ballistic missiles designed to fulfill an Israeli requirement for a missile defense system that would be more effective against ballistic missiles than the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile. Jointly funded and produced by Israel and the United States, development of the system began in 1986 and has continued since, drawing some contested criticism. Undertaken by the MALAM division of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, it is overseen by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's "Homa" administration and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It forms the long-range layer of Israel's multi-tiered missile defence system, along with David's Sling and Iron Dome and Iron Beam [experimental].

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System</span> United States Navy and Missile Defense Agency anti-ballistic missile program

The Aegis ballistic missile defense system, also known as Sea-Based Midcourse, is a Missile Defense Agency program under the United States Department of Defense developed to provide missile defense against short and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The program is part of the United States national missile defense strategy and European NATO missile defense system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hwasong-7</span> Medium-range ballistic missile

The Hwasong-7, also known as Nodong-1, is a single-stage, mobile liquid propellant medium-range ballistic missile developed by North Korea. Developed in the mid-1980s, it is a scaled-up adaptation of the Soviet R-17 Elbrus missiles, more commonly known by its NATO reporting name "Scud". The inventory is estimated to be around 200–300 missiles. US Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center estimates that as of June 2017 fewer than 100 launchers were operationally deployed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States national missile defense</span> Nationwide missile defense program of the United States

National missile defense (NMD) refers to the nationwide antimissile program the United States has had under development since the 1990s. After the renaming in 2002, the term now refers to the entire program, not just the ground-based interceptors and associated facilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ground-Based Midcourse Defense</span> United States anti-ballistic missile defense for intercepting warheads in space

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD), previously National Missile Defense (NMD), is an anti-ballistic missile system implemented by the United States of America for defense against ballistic missiles, during the midcourse phase of ballistic trajectory flight. It is a major component of the American missile defense strategy to counter ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) carrying nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terminal High Altitude Area Defense</span> US ballistic missile defense system

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), formerly Theater High Altitude Area Defense, is an American anti-ballistic missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. The THAAD interceptor carries no warhead, instead relying on its kinetic energy of impact to destroy the incoming missile. THAAD was developed after the experience of Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the Gulf War in 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missile Defense Agency</span> Agency of the US Defense Department

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is a component of the United States government's Department of Defense responsible for developing a comprehensive defense against ballistic missiles. It had its origins in the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) which was established in 1983 by Ronald Reagan and which was headed by Lt. General James Alan Abrahamson. Under the Strategic Defense Initiative's Innovative Sciences and Technology Office headed by physicist and engineer Dr. James Ionson, the investment was predominantly made in basic research at national laboratories, universities, and in industry. These programs have continued to be key sources of funding for top research scientists in the fields of high-energy physics, advanced materials, nuclear research, supercomputing/computation, and many other critical science and engineering disciplines—funding which indirectly supports other research work by top scientists, and which was most politically viable to fund from appropriations for national defense. It was renamed the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization in 1993, and then renamed the Missile Defense Agency in 2002. The current director is Lieutenant General Heath A. Collins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missile defense</span> System that destroys attacking missiles

Missile defense is a system, weapon, or technology involved in the detection, tracking, interception, and also the destruction of attacking missiles. Conceived as a defense against nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), its application has broadened to include shorter-ranged non-nuclear tactical and theater missiles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Air-launched ballistic missile</span> Experimental weapon

An air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) is a ballistic missile launched from an aircraft. An ALBM allows the launch aircraft to stand off at long distances from its target, keeping it well outside the range of defensive weapons like anti-aircraft missiles and interceptor aircraft. Historically, once launched the missile was essentially immune to interception due to a lack of capable anti-ballistic missiles, with those few that did exist being limited to known static positions. This combination of features allowed a strategic bomber to present a credible deterrent second-strike option in an era when improving anti-aircraft defences appeared to be rendering conventional bombers obsolete. However, by the 1990s surface-to-air missile technology had innovated to the point of allowing the interception of such weapons from road mobile systems, albeit at a lower probability of kill(PoK). By the early 21st century capable, dedicated, ABM systems from several nations had been deployed in significant numbers, spurring further innovation in hypersonic glide vehicles to penetrate such systems and keep ballistic missiles capable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme</span> Indian military defence system, established 2000

The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defence system to protect India from ballistic missile attacks. It was launched in 2000 after the Kargil War by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Testing was carried out and continuing as of 2006, and the system was expected to be operational within four years according to the head of the country's missiles development programme, Vijay Kumar Saraswat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RIM-161 Standard Missile 3</span> Kinetic surface-to-air missile (Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System)

The RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is a ship-based surface-to-air missile used by the United States Navy to intercept short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles as a part of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. Although primarily designed as an anti-ballistic missile, the SM-3 has also been employed in an anti-satellite capacity against a satellite at the lower end of low Earth orbit. The SM-3 is primarily used and tested by the United States Navy and also operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iron Dome</span> Israeli air defense system

Iron Dome is an Israeli mobile all-weather air defense system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometres (2–43 mi) away and whose trajectory would take them to an Israeli populated area. From 2011 to 2021, the United States contributed a total of US$1.6 billion to the Iron Dome defense system, with another US$1 billion approved by the US Congress in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David's Sling</span> Medium to long range surface-to-air/anti-ballistic missile

David's Sling, also formerly known as Magic Wand, is an Israel Defense Forces military system jointly developed by the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the American defense contractor Raytheon, that became operational in 2017. It is designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium to long-range rockets and cruise missiles, fired at ranges from 40 to 300 km. David's Sling is intended to replace the MIM-23 Hawk and MIM-104 Patriot in the Israeli arsenal.

Swordfish is an Indian active electronically scanned array (AESA) long-range tracking radar specifically developed to counter ballistic missile threat. It will be a part of the Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Programme. First testing of this radar was in March 2009. Main aim of the test was to validate the capabilities of the Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR). "The missile to be hit will be fired from a longer distance than it was in the earlier test. DRDO tested whether the radar could track the incoming missile from that distance or not," said a member of the project. This radar is an acknowledged derivative of the Israeli EL/M-2080 Green Pine long range radar, which is the critical component of that country's Arrow missile defense system. However, it differs from the Israeli system as it employs Indian Transmit Receive modules, signal processing, computers and power supplies. It is also more powerful than the base Green Pine system and was developed to meet India's specific BMD needs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EL/M-2080 Green Pine</span> Israeli ground-based missile-defense radar by Elta

The EL/M-2080 Green Pine is an Israeli ground-based missile defense radar produced by Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, to operate mainly with the Arrow theater missile defense system of Israel, which is jointly funded and produced with the United States. The system was exported to India, and its advanced version, the Green Pine Block-B, was delivered to South Korea at a cost of $83 million per unit, and to Azerbaijan. The Israeli Air Defense Command within the Israeli Air Force (IAF) of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operates both Green Pine radars and Green Pine Block-B radars as an integral part of the Arrow system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arrow 3</span> Exoatmospheric hypersonic anti-ballistic missile

The Arrow 3 or Hetz 3 is an exoatmospheric hypersonic anti-ballistic missile, jointly funded, developed and produced by Israel and the United States. Undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, it is overseen by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's "Homa" administration and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It provides exo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) carrying nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads. With divert motor capability, its kill vehicle can switch directions dramatically, allowing it to pivot to see approaching satellites. The missile's reported flight range is up to 2,400 km (1,500 mi).

Project Kusha is a programme under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), for developing the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), also referred to as XRSAM or PGLRSAM. The goal is to design a transportable, long-range surface-to-air missile system. The missile system will consist of at least three types of interceptors and is expected to be deployed by the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy by 2028–2029.

This is a table of the most widespread or notable anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems, intended in whole or part, to counter ballistic missiles. Since many systems have developed in stages or have many iterations or upgrades, only the most notable versions are described. Such systems are typically highly integrated with radar and guidance systems, so the emphasis is chiefly on system capability rather than the specific missile employed. For example, David's Sling is a system that employs the Stunner missile.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "India 7th nation with ICBM technology". The Times of India . 23 April 2012. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "HMS Diamond fires Sea Viper missile for first time – Announcements – Inside Government". Government of the United Kingdom. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Push for 'European sky shield' gains momentum: What is it?". Firstpost. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Ballistic Missile Defence for India". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  5. ↑ Pollack, Andrew. "India expects to use missile interception system as a weapon, top scientist says". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  6. ↑ "India developing new missiles Towards destroying hostile missiles". The Hindu . 3 December 2006. Archived from the original on 5 December 2006. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  7. ↑ The New Guardian Archived 2 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine India unveils an all new anti-ballistic missile expected to be the fore-runner of a sophisticated air defence system to thwart, among other threats, a Pakistani nuclear weapons attack
  8. ↑ "India tests interceptor missile". 6 March 2009. Archived from the original on 10 March 2009. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  9. ↑ "Development of Ballistic Missile Defence System: Year End Review" (Press release). Ministry of Defence (India). 28 December 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2008.
  10. ↑ Pollack, Andrew. "India successfully tests missile interceptor". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  11. ↑ Rajat Pandit (26 November 2007). "India on way to joining exclusive BMD club". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  12. ↑ "Missile defence shield ready: DRDO chief". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 6 May 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  13. ↑ "Delhi, Mumbai selected for ballistic missile defence shield". The Times of India. 24 June 2012.
  14. ↑ "Delhi, Mumbai to get missile defence shield". NDTV. 24 June 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  15. ↑ "More Teeth to Defence System". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  16. ↑ "Delhi, Mumbai to be first provided with missile defence shield". The Economic Times. Press Trust of India. 24 June 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  17. ↑ "Strategic Air Defences in a Nuclear South-Asia". Bharat-Rakshak. 2 July 2009. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  18. ↑ "India To Boost Airfield Defenses". DefenceNews. Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  19. ↑ "India signs $5.4-billion deal to buy 5 S-400 missile systems from Russia". businesstoday.in. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  20. 1 2 3 "India discovers methods to face missile wars". CNN-IBN. 16 December 2007. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  21. ↑ "February trial for naval air defence missile". Indo-Asian News Service. 16 November 2011. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  22. ↑ "Naval Barak-8 Missiles, Israel, India". Naval Technology. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  23. ↑ "Rafael Confirms Offer of Iron Dome, David's Sling to Indian Armed Forces". India-defence.com. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  24. ↑ "Missile defense systems: Arrow". Claremont Institute MissileThreat.com. Archived from the original on 14 October 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2009.
  25. ↑ "Israel profile: missile overview: Arrow anti-ballistic missile defense system". Nuclear Threat Initiative. October 2008. Archived from the original on 8 December 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2009.
  26. ↑ "U.S.–Israel missile defense cooperation" (PDF). American Israel Public Affairs Committee. 21 December 2006. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
  27. ↑ Israel deploys 'Star Wars' missile killer system
  28. ↑ "Israel deploys 'Star Wars' missile killer system". Reuters. 18 January 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  29. ↑ Sharp, Jeremy M. (22 December 2016). "CRS report for Congress: U.S. foreign aid to Israel" (PDF).
  30. ↑ "Israel, U.S. to embark on collaborative 'upper-tier' missile intercept program to include Arrow 3 and land-based SM-3 missiles". Defense Update. Retrieved 19 August 2009.
  31. ↑ "The Barak Connection- India and Israel". 29 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  32. ↑ "India-Israel co-developed Barak-8 missile successfully test-fired". Jagranjosh.com. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  33. ↑ Eshel, Tamir (19 January 2014). "RAFAEL Develops a New High Energy Laser Weapon – Defense Update" . Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Andrew, Martin (2 December 2010). "China's Cruise and Ballistic Missile Defence". A Strategic Assessment of PLA Theatre Missile and ASAT Capabilities. VII (2). Air Power Australia: 1. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  35. ↑ "Missile Defense revisited: Has Europe already lost strategic track?" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  36. ↑ "The Ultimate North Korean Missile Threat To America: A Nuke Power Grid Attack". Forbes. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  37. ↑ Stewart, Phil. "U.S. to send missile defenses to Guam over North Korea threat". Reuters. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  38. ↑ "HQ-19 Anti-Ballistic Missile Interceptor".
  39. ↑ "World fury at satellite destruction". The Age. 19 January 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  40. ↑ "China carries out land-based mid-course missile interception test – Xinhua | English.news.cn". 5 September 2014. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  41. ↑ Cordesman, Anthony H. (23 January 2015). Iran's Rocket and Missile Forces and Strategic Options. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN   978-1-4422-4066-7.
  42. ↑ ""Iran Displays New Khordad 15 Missile Defense System"". 10 June 2019.
  43. ↑ ""Iran unveils new Khordad 15 air defense missile system"". 9 June 2019.
  44. ↑ "Tien-Kung (Sky Bow)". missiledefenseadvocacy.org. Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  45. ↑ "「天弓三」突神秘發射 反制共軍威脅". 6 December 2018.
  46. ↑ "Taiwan's NCSIST Successfully Tested a Ship-based Variant of Tien Kung III BMD Interceptor". navyrecognition.com. Navy Recognition. 2 January 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  47. ↑ "The Antelope". missiledefenseadvocacy.org. Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  48. ↑ Laven2 (31 October 2018) Japanese test fire Ground self-defense forces successfully fire Hawk missiles at McGregor range [usurped]
  49. ↑ Air defenders share knowledge of the Patriot system, missile training [usurped] accessdate=2016-11-18
  50. ↑ Japanese conduct joint live-fire exercises at McGregor [usurped]
  51. ↑ Fort Bliss Bugle (16 Oct 2014) p.12A JASDF 50th year of live-fire missile exercises [usurped]
  52. ↑ "Japan plans Tokyo missile shield". BBC News. 15 January 2008.
  53. ↑ US-Japan military successfully intercept a ballistic missile target with SM-3 Block IIA
  54. ↑ "Success! U.S., Japan conduct intercept test". Ho'okele. 10 February 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  55. ↑ "Defense Ministry to study new missile defense systems". The Japan Times. 21 June 2014. Archived from the original on 23 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  56. ↑ As N. Korea fires missiles, some in Japan want the ability to launch strikes accessdate=2017-03-27
  57. ↑ "Japan backs out of costly US missile system despite 'imminent threat' from North Korea". The Guardian. London. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  58. ↑ Kubo, Nobuhiro; Kelly, Tim (20 July 2024). "Exclusive: US-Japan Patriot missile production plan hits Boeing component roadblock'". Reuters. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  59. ↑ South Korea, U.S. agree to deploy THAAD missile defense to counter North Korea threat (7 July 2016)
  60. ↑ S.Korea, U.S. Officially Start THAAD Talks (10 July 2016)
  61. ↑ S.Korea, U.S. to deploy THAAD missile defence, drawing China rebuke (7 July 2016)
  62. 1 2 Reuters World News (12 Feb 2017) "South Korea says North Korea missile used 'cold eject' launch system" accessdate=2017-02-19
  63. ↑ Bloomberg Politics (18 Feb 2017) "China's Message to Trump With North Korea Coal Ban: Let's Deal" accessdate=2017-02-19
  64. ↑ PM Abe: North Korea launched four ballistic missiles .nytimes.com/2017/01/01/world/asia/north-korea-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-test-kim-jong-un.html Choe Sang-Hun, (1 Jan 2017) "North Korea Will Test Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, Kim Says" New York Times [ permanent dead link ]
  65. ↑ PM Abe: North Korea launched four ballistic missiles [ dead link ] accessdate=2017-03-05
  66. ↑ Washington Post North Korea launches another missile, perhaps one that can reach U.S. A fifth North Korean missile failed its launch.
  67. 1 2 U.S. Begins Shipping Controversial Anti-Missile System to South Korea accessdate=2017-03-06
  68. ↑ THAAD arrives on the Korean Peninsula accessdate=2017-03-06
  69. ↑ Reuters: (6 September 2017) South Korea deploys anti-missile system as U.S. seeks tough North Korea sanctions
  70. ↑ "U.S. And Allied Ballistic Missile Defenses in the Asia-Pacific Region | Arms Control Association".
  71. ↑ UAE graduates second class of THAAD air defenders [usurped]
  72. ↑ UAE air defenders graduate THAAD course, make BMD history [usurped] accessdate=2016-01-07
  73. 1 2 "... Missile defense would become a reality and that systems would eventually be deployed. Paris realized that it needed to adjust policy to these realities to avoid risking the credibility of the French nuclear deterrent. " Nonetheless, Gruselle concedes in the same work that "Paris realized that it needed to adjust policy to these realities to avoid risking the credibility of the French nuclear deterrent.", as well as the fact that "France recognized the necessity of missile defense to protect deployed French troops." That is to say, French policy makers realized that the increasing performance and reliability of missile defense systems could reduce its own nuclear deterrence, and was also necessary to maintain its foreign military deployment Bruno Gruselle (Nov 2010) "Missile Defense in NATO: a French Perspective" Lisbon NATO Summit, Nov 2010 Archived 23 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine
  74. ↑ "Camille Grand, Director, FRS; Chair, EU Non-Proliferation Consortium". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  75. ↑ "Prepared Statement by Dr. Christopher Yeaw, Director, Center for Assurance, Deterrence, Escalation, and Nonproliferation Science & Education at the Louisiana Tech Research Institute, Before The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing on China's Offensive Missile Forces Wednesday, April 1st, 2015" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 October 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  76. ↑ The Pentagon’s $10-billion bet gone bad, Los Angeles Times
  77. ↑ Bruno Gruselle (2010) "Missile Defense in NATO: A French Perspective"
  78. ↑ "Hypersonic arms race: China tests high-speed missile to beat U.S. defenses". 13 January 2014.
  79. ↑ "05/08/2010 – 07:49 "The myth of missile defense as a deterrent"". Archived from the original on 23 July 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  80. 1 2 3 Craggs, Ryan (3 May 2012). "Russia Threatens Pre-Emptive Strike on NATO Missile Defense Shields". HuffPost. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.