MissileThreat.com

GAO Report on BMD

A report issued by the Government Accounting Office counsels that the President’s move to deploy missile defenses by the end of 2004 could generate technical problems. (Link) 

» GAO Report (pdf)

EU, China to Cooperate on Galileo Satellites

The European Union and China will jointly finance the European Galileo satellite-navigation system, according to an annoucement by the European Commission on September 19.
        The 30-satellite constellation, tentatively slated to be deployed by 2008, would resemble the American “GPS” system.
        Just as the United States is heavily dependent upon its GPS system for modern warfare, so the Galileo system could have significant strategic advantages for China. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: China, Sea-Based Systems

Russia Aided North Korean Export Missiles

Russia aided North Korea’s Taepo’ Dong missile development, reports Geostrategy-Direct. The Taepo-Dong may well have been a copy of the Russian SS-N-6, or R-27. Iran is the most likely client to purchase Taepo’ Dongs, when they become available. China has also been using North Korea as a front to export missiles. “Although China recently issued updated regulations on the export of chemical and biological agents, as well as missile-related export controls, full implementation and effective enforcement are still lacking,” Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week. “We continue to see disturbing cases of proliferation activities by certain Chinese firms.” (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: China, North Korea, Russia

» Missile details: SS-N-17, Tien Chi, Tien Ma 1

Iran Looks to Buy Russian S-400 System

Iran is looking to buy an air and missile defense system from Russia, perhaps the more advanced S-400, reports Geostrategy Direct. Russia previously offered a similar system for purchase by Abu Dhabi, in 2002. (subscription required) (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Russia, Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: S-400 (SA-20 Triumf)

Japan to Build MD Radar

The Japanese Defense Agency plans to build a new radar system designed to detect ballistic missile launches by North Korea, reports the Japan Times. The radars will later be integrated into an 11-radar station network and a missile defense system. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Allies

Russia Tests SLBM

The Moscow Times reports that the Russian nuclear submarine Podolsk yesterday test launched one of its submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) off Russia’s Pacific Coast, which then successfully hit its target in the Chizha firing range some 6,000km away.
        Russia has several operational SLBMs aboard its submarines, all of which have intercontinental range. The Podolsk’s Delta III class of submarines typically carries 16 R-29R missiles, the Russian designation for a version of the SS-N-18, with a range which varies between 6,500 and 8,000km. (Article, Link) 

» Global Security Newswire on SLBM test

» Missile details: SS-X-15

Russian S-300 to go to Vietnam

Russia appears to have negotiated a deal with Vietnam to purchase its most recent version of the S-300 air and missile defense system, the S300 PMU2. Other sales of the S-300 have included Cyprus and China; although India recently expressed interest as well, they now appear to be favoring the US PAC systems. According to the Asian Times:

The S300 PMU2 uses new 48N6E2 missiles, which weigh 1,800 kilograms and are 7.5 meters long. After a catapult “cold” start in the upright position, the 48N6E2 accelerates up to 1,900 meters a second in 12 seconds, and then hits the target from above. The 48N6E2 differs from the older 48N6E in having a new warhead designed for destroying ballistic missiles, with a warhead weight of 145 kilograms versus 70-100 kilograms. The S300 PMU2 can engage targets flying at altitudes ranging from 10 meters to 27 kilometers at a speed of up to 10,000 kilometers per hour.

 (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Proliferation, Russia, Russian Missile Defenses

» Missile system details for: S-300P (SA-10 Grumble)

Russian General on the Extent of Russian Missile Defenses Instructive of US Policy

Why should one be concerned that the United States is not doing enough on missile defense? Because the Russians are not, either. A story in Pravda cites Lieutenant-General Vladimir Grigorkin as lamenting that the Russian missile defense system now covers “only” thirty percent, as compared to the Soviet days when it protected substantially all of Soviet territory. Grigorkin is praised for his own work on the now old SS-18 “Satan” ballistic missile which was designed to overcome then-potential American defense efforts. The same general is also cited as not being “anxious” about American ballistic missile defenses for the simple fact that they do not pose any threat to Russia’s own offensive deterrent. Critics of President Bush sometimes complain that he is abandoning the policy of mutually assured destruction, and that this is a bad thing, and dangerous to “strategic stability.” In fact, these critics have nothing to complain about, as this does not seem to be the case.

Long before the Buran project, Vladimir Grigorkin participated in construction of launchig pads for different rockets. “I worked for a year in Siberia as the head of a department building silos for the world’s most powerful ballistic rockets. NATO called the rockets “Satans”. They could challenge the US’ most modern anti-missile defense system. One rocket of this type carries up to ten self-guided high-power warheads. On board, the rocket has a considerable number of false targets to mislead the enemy. It’s a pity that it was realized too late; it was important to keep the weapon in operation. The majority of rockets of the type were liquidated. even though they were still operable.”

When Vladimir Grigorkin became the head of the special construction department of the Defense Ministry, the silos were being built across the Soviet Union. Now, we have such rockets in Russia only.

The general is not that anxious about the disputes concerning the so-called anti-missile defense. Some time ago, Vladimir Grigorkin participated in creation of an anti-missile shield around Moscow. He says that nowadays only 30 per cent of Russia is protected from attacks of aerospace vehicles, while in the Soviet era the missile shield covered the whole territory of the country. The general is indignant at the fact that the national defense has such large breaches that we may notice attacks of an enemy on some territories only when we see nuclear explosions over these territories.

        

        Update: The January 23, 2004 edition of Itar-Tass quotes a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry that The United States and Russia “are ready to cooperate in non-destabilizing missile defense.” This is entirely keeping with the non-threatening nature largely characteristic of those American missile defense systems proposed since the fall of the Soviet Union. (Article, Link) 

» More stories on: Policy, Russia, Russian Missile Defenses

Russia Purchases SS-19 Boosters from Ukraine

In July, reports came forward that Russia had been purchasing 130 or 150 SS-19 ICBMs from Ukraine, the balance of the much larger number of those missiles which had been retained in that province after the fall of the Soviet Union.
        The September 1 edition of Jane’s Missiles and Rockets reports that Russia is also purchasing 30 first- and second-stage booster stages for the SS-19 missiles, for a price equivalent to 50 million dollars. According to the report, these are the boosters for the RS-18 15A35, known by the Western designations SS-19 and ‘Stiletto’.
        According to Janes, the Russian press reports that the programme for this transfer began in October 2002. These missiles, which had apparently been in “dry storage,” will now be transferred and stored in the Strategic Rocket Force facilities at Pibanshur in Udmurtia and Krizolotiovy, and will serve to extend the lives of the SS-19 stockpile. Janes says that the refitting will give the SS-19s an additional 15-20 years of service. (Link) 

» More stories on: Proliferation, Russia

» Missile details: SS-21 A, SS-21 B