Slashdot Mirror
UK In Danger From Electromagnetic Bomb, Says Defense Secretary
judgecorp writes "Britain must build defenses against an EMP bomb, the UK Secretary of Defense Phillip Hammond told a conference today. Electromagnetic Pulse devices mimic the result of a solar flare or a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere, creating a storm of electromagnetic radiation, which can break mobile networks and satellite systems. Any preparation for solar storms must also consider the possibility of deliberate electromagnetic events, warns Hammond."
Seriously, are all the threats realistic, or does the UK government suffer from a paranoid syndrome? At least once a week /. exposes a new plan in the UK to a) add cameras somewhere b) spy/censor Internet c) control this or that and now d) defense against EMPs.
The coming Olympics are maybe an excuse^w reason? Or maybe we should prohibit the 8 seasons of Jack Bauer / 24 to be sold in the UK?
We have a lot of Muslims who's self-confessed aim is to destroy the state. The threat is real. The question is whether the defences are proportionate and effective. For example an EMP bomb is not really the Muslims style - not enough blood and gore to satisfy their love of violence. On the other hand they might use it to add confusion in combination with other attacks.