U.S Builds Missile Interceptors against North Korea

Lieutenant General Ronald Kadish of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced on April 27 that by the end of the year the U.S. will be equipped with an interceptor system that will protect the entire nation from North Korea’s missile attack.

On this day, Lieutenant General Kadish pointed to North Korea and Iran’s ballistic missile programs as the most worrisome and told reporters that starting in September, a number of missile interceptors to be fired will be under preparation.

Kadish added that by the end of this year, 10 interceptors are expected to be on alert at two sites: Fort Greeley, Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. This system will be linked to a specialized radar able to track inbound missiles over the Pacific Ocean.

He explained that by September, five missile interceptor systems will be positioned in Fort Greeley, three or four more by December, and an additional 10 next year after Congress passes the budget.

However, Lieutenant General Kadish stated that if the two upcoming tests both fail, there will be a setback in the arrangement.

The MDA is planning to invest $53 billion between 2004 and 2009 for its missile defense program.

Soon-Taek Kwon maypole@donga.com