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US Tests New Missile Defense
pumpkinpuss writes "The US military yesterday shot down a missile in a test simulating a long-range ballistic missile attack by a potential adversary such as North Korea or Iran. The target missile was launched from Kodiak Island, Alaska, at 3:04 PM Eastern time, tracked simultaneously by several ground and ship-based radars, and intercepted by a 'kill vehicle' 3,000 kilometers away over the Pacific 25 minutes later, according to the Missile Defense Agency. Lt. Gen. Patrick O'Reilly said, 'The kill vehicle was sent to a very accurate spot in space giving us great confidence.'"
Reader gilgsn points out the testing of a different "multiple kill vehicle" by Lockheed Martin, which was able to hover over the ground and track a target. Video of the test (WMV) is also available.
Oh I can see it now, Terrorist have taken over Iran's missile capabilities and Obama Call them up,
Obama: Why are you launching missiles on them sir?
Iranian terrorist: Because they are the evil satan and we should wipe them off the map.
Obama: Well sir, can't you tell I'm treating you with respect?\
Ianian: Foolish Zionist pig, why do you think we will listen to you?
Obama: Because sir, I'm treating you with respect.
irania: If you respected us, you would convert to Islam and turn your entire country under Sharia law.
Obama: I can do that, can't we talk.. er can't we please talk sir
Irania: Talking is for infidels now it time for action
Obama: I can guarentee you action because I respect you sir.
Boom.- Boom- Civilisation is devistated in certain areas
Obama Supporter: He did a fine job, he limited the damage to Irael, Turkey, and West Germany. And now he is off to talk to the iranian terrosits to launched the misiles without precondition.
Iranian terrorist: Akmed, Wear this new and improves suicide belt, They can't detect it and there will be 72 virgins waiting for you in paridise.
Akmed: I will not fail Allah. And we thought that shrub guy was stupid. You guy know how to run things when I'm gone. I trust I am leaving things in good hands. Peace be with you while you kill them dogs.
Let us be honest here, we are not going to get attacked from some long range ICBM from around the world.
Of course not; you're right. This raises the question of what it is for. The obvious answer is that it is for attack, not defence. Without such an anti-missile weapon, the US cannot attack strong targets. With such a weapon, the US can carry out unprovoked aggression on another country, and shoot down that country's counterattack. The talk of "defence" is for public consumption only.