Missile Defense Capable, Maybe

[unhappycamper]

Missile Defense Capable, Maybe
February 26, 2009
Air Force Print News

WASHINGTON - U.S. missile defense is prepared to defend against North Korean threats, but the system needs more testing before Pentagon officials can endorse its capabilities with "high confidence," the top Defense Department tester said.

In three test scenarios, the missile defense system successfully destroyed threats emanating from North Korea, Dr. Charles E. McQueary, the director of operational test and evaluation, told a congressional panel Feb. 25.

"What we showed as a consequence of the test was that, indeed, we did intercept and 'kill' a target to demonstrate that the (ground missile defense) did work in that particular (test)," he said. "To me, that was a demonstration that this system has the capability to work."

But Dr. McQueary told the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, which oversees the missile defense program, that additional assessments are needed before he can confirm a high level of statistical confidence in the system.

"There's simply not been enough testing done in order to be able to state it," he said. The test and evaluation office that Dr. McQueary directs provides Defense Department officials with independent reviews of weapons and equipment.


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