JAPAN LOOKS TO REPOSITION AEGIS
Japan will be repositioning its Aegis ships closer to North Korea in order to better detect any missiles launches from the Stalinist state. The decision comes amid the recent failed missiles launch from North Korea and the trouble Japan had initially detecting it. South Korean officials have signaled their approval of the move, which it will increase their defense capabilities as well. Japan currently has twice as many Aegis-capable ships as South Korea. (Global Security Newswire, June 5, 2012)
IRAN-RUSSIA MISSILE COLLUSION
According to an unclassified intelligence report provided to Congress by the Director of National Intelligence, Iran has been receiving missile technology from Russia. The unclassified assessment does not explicitly characterize the exchange as a policy directed by Moscow, instead calling the suppliers in Russia “individual entities.” But some experts believe that the language in the report is designed to deflect blame from the Russian government so that it does not derail trade and space legislation initiated by the Obama administration. Current law requires that the president certify Russia is following a policy of non-proliferation towards Iran. (Washington Free Beacon, June 8, 2012)
SEOUL, WASHINGTON PLAN NEW ASIAN DEFENSES
On June 14th, foreign and defense ministers from the U.S. and South Korea formally codified plans to work together on extending defense capabilities to counter the long-range ballistic missile threat from North Korea. In a joint statement, the two countries outlined a new plan that will allow South Korea to plan on “not only extending the permitted firing range of South Korean missiles and building a missile defense system but also establishing detection, identification, strike, and flight capabilities.” Development of the so-called Korean Air and Missile Deense (KAMD) system risks further raising concerns from Beijing about a U.S.-led missile shield in Asia. However, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has made clear that the KAMD will be a “low-tier” system specifically intended to combat North Korea’s long-range ballistic missiles and is not a step toward South Korea’s incorporation into the larger U.S. BMD system. (Seoul Hankyoreh, June 16, 2012)
RUSSIA BEEFS UP RADAR CAPABILITIES
Russia has announced that its newest anti-missile radar will come online by year's end. The Voronezh-DM class radar will be deployed in the Krasnodar region in southern Russia and has a range of around 6,000 kilometers. This latest generation of radar also requires fewer crew members to operate, and can be quickly re-deployed if necessary. It is one of four that Russia has deployed across the country in the past few years. The new radar web is designed to be part of an overall response to NATO’s planned European missile defense shield. (RIA Novosti, June 19, 2012)
MEADS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
U.S. allies Italy and Germany are urging American lawmakers to continue funding the Medium Extended Air and Missile Defense System (MEADS) until its planned termination date in 2013. Three U.S. Congressional committees so far have rejected the President’s request for $400 million to uphold America’s funding commitments for the project. The system was originally intended to replace the Patriot, but was deemed too costly given current budget constraints and slated for termination in 2013. However, if the funding is not approved by Congress it will have to be terminated earlier. This has led Italy and Germany, who have also invested money in the system, to warn that such an abrupt cut in funding would damage ties and any prospects for future joint endeavors. The Pentagon agrees, and has argued in support of continued funding, saying the program would provide Italy and Germany with better defense systems and the U.S. with future options. But opponents in Congress claim that the U.S. should not spend money on a system it does not intend to immediately use. (MSN, June 13, 2012)
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