Can The US Defend Itself Against A Chinese Missile Attack?

A Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapons Concept (HAWC) missile in seen in an artist's conception. Raytheon Missiles & Defense/Handout via REUTERS.  

FOX News: Can the US defend against Chinese missile attack?  

The new weapon expands China's range of influence to a theoretically global scale. 

The revelation that China has advanced in developing hypersonic weapons has renewed calls for the U.S. military to invest both in hypersonic weapons as well as the capability to combat such weapons. 

The test of a Chinese hypersonic missile in August appeared to catch U.S. military officials by surprise, with one person allegedly saying the U.S. had "no idea how they did this." 

What are hypersonic weapons, and how worried should the American military be by China’s recent test?  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The media and political narrative is that the U.S. cannot defend itself from a Chinese missile attack, and .... this is easy to predict .... more money should be spent.

Pentagon Pushes For A Pacific Missile Defense Site On Guam

The US Pacific territory of Guam is the proposed site of a new missile defence base.(US Navy: Stacy Laseter) 

ABC News (Australia): Pentagon pushes for Pacific missile defence site to counter China's threat to the US 

The head of the US Navy's Indo-Pacific Command is urging Congress to build a new missile defence base in the Pacific as part of a larger strategy to counter China's military threat to the region. 

The Pentagon is seeking $US77 million ($98 million) to build a permanent "land-based integrated air and missile defence system and associated weapon delivery system on Guam", as outlined in the Indo-Pacific Deterrence Act. 

In addition to the defence system, which is designed to track down and destroy missiles before they do harm, the US is considering an increase to its ground-based missiles on Guam that could fire on targets over 500 kilometres away. 

Read more .... 

Update #1: Pentagon pushes for island missile defence system to counter China (9 News) 

Update #2: ‘Guam is a target today.’ Pacific chief pitches Aegis Ashore to Congress (Defense News) 

WNU Editor: To me it is a given that in any conflict with China, one of the first targets will be Guam .... China tests 'Guam killer' missile it says can strike moving warships (ABC News).

China's Military Is Claiming A Successful ABM Intercept Test

A graphic on midcourse missile defense that the People's Daily newspaper included in a story about an anti-ballistic missile defense test in 2018. People's Daily 

Warzone/The Drive: China Claims It Has Conducted A New Midcourse Intercept Anti-Ballistic Missile Test 

China is developing multiple ballistic missile interceptors, some of which could also double as anti-satellite weapons. 

Details are still limited, but the Chinese government says that it has carried out an anti-ballistic missile test. State media reports say that the goal was to demonstrate capabilities to intercept an intermediate-range ballistic missile, or IRBM, during the midcourse portion of its flight. However, these kinds of interceptors can also double as anti-satellite weapons. 

China's Ministry of Defense announced the test on Feb. 4, 2021, and said it achieved all of its goals, but offered no additional details, including whether an actual intercept of any kind had taken place. Chinese authorities also insisted that the test was purely defensive in nature and was not meant a signal to any country in particular. 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: I am two weeks behind in posting this story. Better late than never. This is the official Chinese announcement .... China conducts mid-course antiballistic missile test, system 'becomes more mature, reliable' (Global Times). More here .... China conducts successful land-based mid-course missile interception test (CGTN). 

 More News On China Claiming A Successful ABM Intercept Test 

China declares success in latest anti-missile intercept test -- SCMP 

China claims successful ABM intercept test -- Asia Times 

China conducts missile interceptor test, calls launch 'success' -- UPI 

China Just Practiced Shooting Down a Nuclear Missile -- National Interest 

China Completes Land-Based Mid-Range Missile Interception Test, Defence Ministry Says -- Sputnik China’s anti-missile intercept test could be a warning to India, source says -- SCMP

Is President Biden About To Commit To New Missile Defenses?

Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle defends the US against ballistic missiles by destroying them while they are still in space. 

Breaking Defense: Biden Pledged New Missile Defenses, His Pentagon May Be About To Deliver 

There have been questions about the Biden Administration's missile defense plan; some of those may be answered in coming weeks 

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon plans to take a big step in its long and costly effort to build a new missile defense system, the Next Generation Interceptor program, in coming weeks. 

The NGI is trying to pick up where the Redesigned Kill Vehicle program left off when it was scrapped in 2019 after burning through $1.2 billion on research and development and being found wanting. 

But the Missile Defense Agency has taken its time on the NGI work, issuing requirements in 2019 and doing its homework on how and why the previous effect failed. 

Read more .... 

Update: Biden’s Pentagon Backs Missile Defense After a $1.2 Billion Flop (Bloomberg). 

WNU Editor: The Biden administration's decision on the Next Generation Interceptor program will be announced in the coming weeks. But this missile defense program has already been green-lighted .... In signal to Iran, Israel, US begin developing Arrow-4 missile defense system (Jerusalem Post).

Israel Successfully Tests Its Sea-Based Missile Defense System Against UAVS And Cruise Missiles

 

Jerusalem Post: Iron Dome intercepts cruise missiles for first time 

MoD: System can intercept a variety of threats, including UAVs and cruise missiles 

The Israel Missile Defense Organization has successfully completed a series of live-fire intercept tests of the Iron Dome and David’s Sling weapon systems against threat-representative cruise and ballistic missiles, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

It is the first time the the Iron Dome system intercepted a cruse missile. 

The tests demonstrated an interoperable capability of the different interception system. 

Read more .... 

 More News On Israel Successfully Testing Its Sea-Based Missile Defense System 

Israel stages major air defense drill, proving it can shoot down cruise missiles -- Times of Israel 

Israel successfully tests sea-based missile defense system -- FOX News 

With eye on Iran, Israel tests missile defense system -- Washington Post 

Israel, US successfully test new features in key interceptor -- Israel Hayom

Japan Halts Plans To Deploy Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Citing Costs, Technical Issues, And Local Opposition

The main control center at the U.S. military's Aegis Ashore missile defense test complex in Kauai, Hawaii. Japan's Aegis Ashore sites are expected to be of a similar design, but with Lockheed Martin's Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) instead of the AN/SPY-1 seen here. Kyodo via AP Images

Warzone/The Drive: Japan Halts Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Plans Indefinitely Amid Public Opposition

Technical issues and concerns about cost, coupled with public outcries and embarrassing blunders have hampered the project.

Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono has publicly announced a decision to suspend the establishment of two Aegis Ashore missile defense systems in the country indefinitely. Kono cited technical issues and rising costs as the main factors, but there has been significant domestic opposition to the program, which already forced Japanese authorities to abandon plans to deploy one of the missile defense systems at a site in the country's northeastern Akita Prefecture.

Japan's top defense official informed members of the press about the shift in the country's missile defense plans on June 15, 2020. Kono said he had told Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about the decision on June 12. The Japanese government finalized their initial plans to set up the two Aegis Ashore sites back in December 2017. The U.S. government formally approved the sale of the missile defense systems, as well as ancillary items and support services, a complete package valued at around $2.15 billion, in January 2019. Japan had already pushed back the date it hoped to have both Aegis Ashore systems up and running from 2023 to 2025.

Read more ....

More News On Japan Halting Plans To Deploy The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense

Japan to scrap costly land-based US missile defense system -- AP
Japan halts deployment of Aegis Ashore missile defence system -- Reuters
Japan's Defense Minister Says He Has Halted Deployment of Aegis Ashore System -- New York Times
Japan Halts Plan for $5 Billion Lockheed Missile Defense System -- Bloomberg
Japan Backing Away From Aegis Ashore -- USNI News
Japan Drops Plan to Deploy US Missile System -- VOA
Japan suspends Aegis missile defence system deployment -- New Straits Times
Japan halts plans to deploy Aegis Ashore missile shield, citing costs & technical issues -- RT

Part Of An Iron Dome Tamir Interceptor Fell Intact In The Gaza Strip.

Part of an Iron Dome Tamir interceptor fell in the #Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/6Xj30m1JMW

— Joe Truzman (@Jtruzmah) November 14, 2019

Warzone/The Drive: Intact Seeker Section From An Iron Dome Tamir Interceptor Fell Into Gaza

Losing these sensitive components could represent a huge technological loss.

Just hours after we posted a story about a report that an Israeli Stunner surface-to-air missile used in the David's Sling medium-range air defense system fell into Syrian territory and was transferred by the Assad regime to Russia, images have appeared on social media showing what appears to be the intact fuse section of a Tamir interceptor used by the Iron Dome system. This proximity fuse system is highly advanced as it has to detect a small and fast-flying target—a rocket in most cases—and detonate the missile's warhead with perfect timing in order to destroy it. It is also highly miniaturized yet hardened enough to withstand the extreme G forces sustained by the super-maneuverable interceptor.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This follows on the heels of this alleged loss of technology .... China's News Agency: Russia Has Obtained An Israeli Advanced Stunner Interceptor Missile (November 8, 2019).

U.S. Approves $3.3bn Anti-Ballistic Missile Sale To Japan

The USS John Paul Jones destroyer intercepted an incoming ballistic missile using Raytheon-made SM-3 Block IIA missiles in this February 2017 test - the same missiles Japan is buying (AFP Photo/LEAH GARTON)

AFP: US approves $3.3bn sale of anti-ballistic missiles to Japan

Washington (AFP) - Washington approved the $3.3 billion sale of anti-ballistic missiles to Japan Tuesday, following close behind a series of new ballistic missile tests by North Korea that could threaten the US ally.

Japan will buy up to 73 of the Raytheon-made SM-3 Block IIA missiles, which are designed to be fired by the ship-board Aegis system to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, the Pentagon said.

The sale came as North Korea is expanding its offensive missile capabilities, having proven over the past two years the ability to launch medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, potentially nuclear-tipped, that could hit both Japan and the United States.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is a message to both China AND North Korea. But the Chinese are going to be sending their own message soon ....  China to show off advanced nuclear weapons in National Day parade and ‘send message to US about capabilities’ (SCMP).

Japan Picked Its Aegis Ashore Site Based On Google Earth

A briefing slide describing various components of the Aegis Ashore system, as well as different engagement options, including targeting threats using off-board sensors. MDA

Warzone/The Drive: Japan Picked An Aegis Ashore Site Based On Miscalculations From Google Earth

Japanese authorities rejected nine other possible sites based on the bad data.

Japanese officials have admitted that they miscalculated the angles of elevation of various mountains when deciding on where to base one of its two future Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense systems. This led them to determine the only suitable site in eastern Japan was the Araya Maneuver Area, though nine others may have been viable.

Takashi Gomi, in charge of the Japanese Ministry of Defense's strategy planning division, disclosed the error to reporters during a press conference in the city of Akita on June 10, 2019. The Japan Ground Self Defense Force's (JGSDF) Araya Maneuver Area, which already hosts Patriot surface-to-air missile systems, is situated in Akita.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Google Earth is just a guide. These officials have way too much faith in Google that what they post is accurate.

Russia Says Japan’s Purchase Of New Missile Defence Network Violates Treaties

CC BY 2.0 / U.S. Missile Defense Agency / Aegis Ashore

News.com.au/AP/Reuters: Russia says Japan’s purchase of new missile defence network is in violation of treaties

RUSSIA has attacked one country’s plans to construct a new missile defence system in the face of North Korean aggression.

A DECISION by Japan to deploy a US-designed missile defence system will damage Moscow’s relations with Tokyo, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says.

It is also a breach by Washington of a landmark arms control treaty, she warns.

But Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called the North Korean missile threat a “national crisis”, winning public support for new military roles and equipment that used to be taboo under Japan’s strictly self-defence-only policy.

Read more ....

More News On Russia's Reaction To Japan’s Purchase Of New Missile Defence Network

Russia slams US plan to sell anti-missile system to Japan -- CNN
Russia upset as Japan looks to US-made Aegis land system to destroy North Korean missiles -- CNBC
Russia says Tokyo's deployment of US missiles a blow to relations and will impact peace treaty negotiations -- The Japan Times
Russia to Take Into Account US Missile Defense System Deployment in Japan -- Sputnik
Russia warns ties with Japan to be affected by deployment of US missile defense systems -- RT
Russian military planning to mind missile defense systems’ deployment in Japan - diplomat -- TASS
Russia Opposes Japan's Decision to Deploy Aegis Ashore -- The Diplomat

Japan Build's Missile BasesTo Face China. Anti-Missile Sites To Face North Korea

A Japanese military vehicle carrying units of Patriot missiles leaves a port on Ishigaki. On Friday, Japan is set to approve an increase in annual military spending, including funds for a new military base on Ishigaki. Photo: Kyodo/REUTERS

Wall Street Journal: Japan Is Building Missile Bases to Confront Rising Threat From China

Tokyo rethinks approach of strict pacifism, plans new military installations on southwestern islands.

ISHIGAKI, Japan—Japan’s military is laying the groundwork for batteries of antiship and antiaircraft missiles in a quiet, sugar-cane-filled valley here, as it girds to confront what Tokyo views as its greatest long-term threat: China.

Ishigaki is one of a string of subtropical islands in the far southwest of the Japanese archipelago—the closest is about 200 miles from China’s coast—that defense officials are fortifying with troop garrisons, new weapons and a radar installation.

As China becomes more powerful and assertive and North Korea builds up its nuclear arsenal, Japan is rethinking its approach to defense and moving away from the policies of strict pacifism it has followed since its defeat in World War II.

Read more ....

Update: Japan to build missile bases on islands to counter the rising threat from China after PM Abe argued country should reduce its dependency on the US military (Daily Mail).

WNU Editor: For more information on Japan's anti-missile program, see the links below ....

Japan Approves Missile Defense System Amid NKorea Threat -- US News and World Report/AP
Japan to expand ballistic missile defense with ground-based Aegis batteries -- Reuters
Japan approves purchase of US missile defense system to counter North Korea threat -- The Hill
Japan to buy Aegis Ashore defence system to counter North Korea missile threats -- SCMP
Japanese Cabinet Approves Two Aegis Ashore Systems Deployment -- Defense World
Japan approves US missile system purchase to counter North Korea threat -- Press Association
Japan to Buy Two US-Built Anti-Missile Systems -- VOA
Japan's Shinzo Abe Approves Ballistic Missile Defense Expansion -- The Diplomat

New York Times: U.S. Patriot Missiles May Have Failed In Saudi Arabia Against A Yemen Missile Attack Last Month

A still image taken from a video distributed by Yemen's pro-Houthi Al Masirah television station on November 5, 2017, shows what it says was the launch by Houthi forces of a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh's King Khaled Airport on Saturday, Houthi Military Media Unit via REUTERS TV

Business Insider: US missile defenses fired 5 shots at an incoming target — and it looks as if they all missed

* Officials have said that US missile interceptors took out a ballistic missile attack on an airport in Saudi Arabia, but a new analysis by The New York Times suggests that didn't happen.
* The likely failure of the US missile defense system shows a weakness as Saudi Arabia's enemies seem intent on firing more and more missiles.

In late November, a missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen came streaking through the sky toward the airport in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.

The Saudis spotted the incoming fire and shot off five missile interceptors from a US-supplied missile defense system to stop the threat, they say.

"Our system knocked the missile out of the air," US President Donald Trump later said of the incident. "That's how good we are. Nobody makes what we make, and now we're selling it all over the world."

But a new analysis by The New York Times suggests that the missile's failure was a fluke and that the missile interceptors all missed.

Read more ....

Previous Post: Saudi Arabia Blames Iran For Yesterday's Missile Attack From Yemen (November 6, 2017).

WNU Editor: If true .... that is a disappointment.

More News On Reports That U.S. Patriot Missiles May Have Failed In Saudi Arabia Against A Yemen Missile Attack Last Month

Did American Missile Defense Fail in Saudi Arabia? -- New York Times
US Patriot missiles may have failed in Saudi Arabia: report -- AFP
Saudis might have failed to hit missile fired by Houthis in November, analysis shows -- Daily Sabah

Canada May Join U.S. Missile Defense

Photo: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waves to the audience as he appears on stage during WE Day UN in New York City, Wednesday September 20, 2017. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Toronto Star: Trudeau weighs calls to join ballistic missile defence

The prime minister said Tuesday that North Korea’s “reckless behaviour” is a threat to global peace as he contemplated Canada’s participation in the U.S. missile defence program.

OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has cracked open the door to joining the U.S. ballistic missile defence program, reversing Canada’s long-standing opposition in the face of North Korea’s new capabilities to strike North America.

Trudeau said Tuesday that North Korea’s “reckless behaviour” is a threat to global peace. For months, North Korean President Kim Jong Un has conducted weapons tests that show increasing capabilities by the isolated nation.

However, Trudeau declined to comment directly on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat at the United Nations that America would “totally destroy” North Korea if it continues its development of nuclear weapons and missiles.

Read more ....

Update: Trudeau inches closer to ballistic missile defence (Toronto Sun editorial).

WNU Editor: This is a complete reversal from what Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said last month .... Canada won’t join U.S. missile defence, send troops to Afghanistan, Trudeau says (Toronto Star). Why the (maybe) complete reversal in policy  .... it will be due to this uncomfortable revelation .... Canadian General: 'U.S. Policy Is Not To Defend Canada' In The Event Of A Missile Attack (September 17, 2017).

This Is The Track Record Of U.S. Ballistic Missile Test Intercepts By The U.S. Missile Defense Agency Since 2001

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Niall McCarthy, Forbes: Can The U.S. Intercept A North Korean Missile? [Infographic]

North Korea's nuclear program has evolved rapidly in recent months, culminating in Pyongyang test-firing a missile over Japan in August and detonating a hydrogen bomb at a test facility on Sunday. With diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis failing to gain traction, the effectiveness of missile-defense technology in the region is becoming paramount. South Korea is the closest potential target and it is counting on the U.S. Army's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) to intercept and destroy missiles in the event of hostilities. The system has proven hugely controversial in both China and South Korea. The Chinese claim the THAAD's powerful radar can monitor its military while South Koreans fear areas around the launchers could become North Korean targets. In the wake of the most recent nuclear test north of the border, however, the South Korean Defence Ministry said it will deploy the four remaining THAAD launchers, bolstering the two already in operation.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I wish the results were 100% .... but I guess this is a work of progress.

China And Russia Find Common Ground In Opposing The Deployment Of Anti-Missile Systems To Japan And South Korea

The Kremlin's anxiety over the deployment of U.S. antiballistic missile (ABM) technology worldwide has grown to include the Asia-Pacific as the United States completes its export of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system to South Korea. (RALPH SCOTT/Missile Defense Agency/U.S. Department of Defense)

Stratfor: In Japan, Russia and China Find Common Ground

For the first time in three years, Russia and Japan have revived an avenue of negotiation that had stalled in the face of enduring tension between the two nations. Foreign and defense ministers from both countries met in Tokyo on Monday to hold 2+2 talks on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. As expected, Japan took the opportunity to question Russia's recent attempts to bolster its defenses on the southern Kuril Islands, to which Tokyo has long laid claim. Russia fired back with its own objections to Japan's desire to build up its ballistic missile defenses as North Korea pushes ahead with its nuclear program.

Read more ....

More News On The Deployment Of Anti-Missile Systems To Asia

US builds missile defense system for South Korea, causing more tension -- The Hill
Seoul, Washington, Tokyo begin missile defense drill -- Korea Times
Why America's THAAD Deployment to South Korea Is Making China Go Crazy -- Mike Fabey, National Interest
South Korea Says China Lacks Understanding About THAAD -- VOA
China lashes out as South Korea puts an American anti-missile system in place -- CNBC
China Prepares to Counter US THAAD Missile Defense System in South Korea -- Sputnik
China ready to neutralise THAAD, retired PLA general says -- South China Morning Post
China’s Fear of U.S. Missile Defense Is Disingenuous -- Abraham M. Denmark, Foreign Policy
Russia takes swipe at US missile defense in South Korea -- Korea Herald

Russia And China Condemn U.S. Missile Defense. Vow To Work Together To Counter The U.S. Missile-Defense System

© Sputnik/ Vitaliy Ankov

Bloomberg: Russia Says It’s Joining China to Counter U.S. Missile Defense

* Russian official says U.S. seeks ability for nuclear strikes
* Poznikhir says shield would allow unilateral moves by U.S.

Russia said it’s working with China to counter U.S. plans to expand its missile-defense network, which the two nations see as targeting their military assets.

The upgrades aim to give Washington the ability to launch a nuclear strike “with impunity,” Lieutenant General Viktor Poznikhir of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff said Tuesday at a security forum in Xiangshan, China, according to a transcript of his speech posted on the Defense Ministry’s website. The Asian neighbors this year conducted a joint missile-defense exercise of their computer command staff, he said.

“We are working together on ways to minimize possible damage to the security of our countries," Poznikhir said. “The illusion of invulnerability and impunity under the guise of missile defense will encourage Washington to make unilateral steps in dealing with global and regional issues. This could lead to a decrease in the threshold for using nuclear weapons to preempt enemy actions.”

Read more ....

More News On Russia And China Vowing To Work Together To Counter The U.S. Missile-Defense System

China, Russia to hold further anti-missile drills after U.S. THAAD decision -- Reuters
Russia, China to Mull Joint Response to US Missile Shield -- AP
Beijing and Moscow to cooperate on minimizing US missile defense -- DW
China and Russia close ranks against US missile-defence system -- South China Morning Post
China, Russia slam US plan to deploy THAAD missiles in South Korea -- Economic Times
US missile defense in Europe directly threatens Russia – Chinese military -- RT
China, Russia blast US missile defence at regional forum -- AFP
Russia, China to Hold 2nd Missile Defense Drill in 2017 -- Sputnik

U.S. And South Korea Meet To Discuss Deployment Of A Missile Defense System To Counter North Korea's Missile Ambitions

Japanese Self-Defence Force's soldiers next to the unit of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles on the southern island of Ishigaki, Okinawa prefecture, on Sunday after North Korea launched a long-range rocket carrying what it has said is a satellite. PHOTO: KYODO/REUTERS

WSJ: North Korea’s Rocket Launch Triggers Missile-Defense Moves

Washington, Seoul move to formalize talks on deployment of advanced missile shield to South Korea

SEOUL—North Korea’s long-range rocket launch sparked international condemnation and prompted Washington and Seoul to formalize talks over deploying an advanced missile shield to South Korea, a move strongly opposed by China.

Defying a United Nations ban on testing ballistic-missile technology, North Korea said it put a satellite into space from a multi-stage rocket launched about 9 a.m. local time Sunday. South Korea said an object had been put into orbit by the rocket, but it wasn’t clear if it was transmitting back to earth.

A statement from North Korea’s state news agency said the nation would launch more satellites and attributed the latest achievement to leader Kim Jong Un.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. And South Korea Discussions To Deploy A Missile Defense System

Seoul mulls missile defense system after North Korea's rocket launch -- DW
North Korea Rocket Leads U.S. to Push Missile Shield, Sanctions -- Bloomberg
S. Korea weighs missile defense system in wake of N. Korean rocket launch -- USA Today
North Korea rocket launch spurs talk of regional anti-missile defence measures -- Globe and Mail
North Korea Launches Rocket; US, South Korea Consider THAAD -- The Diplomat

South Korea Hints That It May Deploy A Missile Defense System To Counter North Korea's Missile Program

© Flickr/ U.S. Missile Defense Agency

The Australian/WSJ: South Korea warms to missile shield after North’s nuclear tests

South Korea is leaning towards ­introducing an advanced US mis­sile defence system to guard itself against threats from North Korea following Pyongyang’s nuclear test three weeks ago, a bulwark strongly opposed by China.

Current and former US officials who have recently spoken with top South Korean policymakers say the country has not ­decided whether to adopt the system the US has offered, but that informal talks between Washington and Seoul had been elevated recently.

One American official said there was a strong chance the US could announce that the two countries are in negotiations over the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or Thaad, in the next week or so.

A former US official who ­recently met with senior South Korean officials said a consensus appeared to be forming in Seoul.

“Behind the scenes it looks like Thaad is close to a done deal,” this person said.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Chinese would not be happy with this type of deployment .... South Korea THAAD deployment raises China concerns (UPI). More here .... China grows anxious about possible THAAD in Korea (Korea Times).

More News On Reports That South Korea May Approve The Deployment Of A U.S. Missile Defense System

North Korea missile site activity revives talk of U.S. missile defence in South -- Reuters
Korea says THAAD 'helpful' to security -- Korea Times
US missile defence can enhance South Korea's security -- Straits Times
Deployment of US Defense System to Increase South Korea's Security -- Sputnik
THAAD: The Moment of Decision Has Arrived -- Sungtae Jacky Park, The National

North Korea's Nuclear Test Will Result In A Missile Defense Build-up By Japan And South Korea

Japan should strengthen the ability of its military to deter and counter missile attacks, including the possible acquisition of the ability to hit enemy bases, the Defence Ministry said, but officials denied this would be used for pre-emptive strikes.(Reuters)

Reuters: North Korea test could put missile defense back in frame despite Chinese disquiet


North Korea's claim to have tested a miniaturized hydrogen bomb, which would represent a big advance in its strike capability, could lead to renewed calls for countries in the region to enhance their missile defenses, changes that China opposes.

Analysts and military attaches say Beijing will be watching closely for signs that the United States and Japan are exploring improved ballistic missile defense, or whether Washington leans more heavily on South Korea to adopt its advanced high-altitude missile system, technology Seoul has so far turned down.

There is considerable doubt over the veracity of Pyongyang's assertion that Wednesday's explosion was a full-fledged test of a hydrogen device, but it could mark an advance in the secretive state's nuclear technology.

WNU Editor: I concur with this Reuter's analysis. North Korea's nuclear test will result in an arms build-up by South Korea and Japan, and the deployment of even more missile interceptors. This is not what China wants .... but now finds itself in a position where it cannot even voice its objections because of what North Korea has done.

The U.S. Has Successfully Tested A Layered Missile Defense System

Daily Mail: U.S. military says complex $230MILLION test of layered missile defense system is a success

* US military said tests showed the ability of the Aegis and THAAD weapons systems to identify and destroy ballistic and cruise missiles at once
* The test was conducted near Wake Island in the western Pacific Ocean
* Missile experts said it was the first time the US military had proven the effectiveness of a layered defense
* Critics often say tests of the missile defense system are too simple and do not simulate real-life potential threats
* The test could increase confidence in US plans to deploy a THAAD efforts to Europe and South Korea

The US military on Sunday hailed the success of a complex $230million test of the US missile defense system, adding that it said showed the ability of the Aegis and THAAD weapons systems to identify and destroy ballistic and cruise missiles at once.

The test was conducted near Wake Island in the western Pacific Ocean by the US Missile Defense Agency, US. European Command, US Pacific Command, the Ballistic Missile Defense System Operational Test Agency and the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense.

More News On Yesterday's Successful U.S. Missile Defense Test

Ballistic Missile Defense System Demonstrates Layered Defense While Conducting Multiple Engagements in Operational Test -- Missile Defense Agency
U.S. completes complex test of layered missile defense system -- Reuters
US conducts ‘complex test’ of layered missile defense system -- RT
US Tests Layered Missile Defense System -- Defense World
The U.S. Has Successfully Tested a Layered Missile Defense System -- Time
US Military Completes $230 Million Test Of Layered Missile Defense System -- Tech Times