How to reduce Russia/China concerns on missile defense

Abstract

Missile Defense (MD) is a major technical and political issue facing the US and the rest of the world. Until the US began to develop a hit-to-kill system, there was no effective defense against an incoming Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) — so nations relied on Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD). This was indeed MAD, so President Reagan began to investigate alternate methods to protect against incoming ICBM's like his “Star Wars” proposal. However, technology was not mature enough for such an expansive system. In the 2000's, the Bush administration developed a limited Missile Defense System in Alaska and California to counter threats from North Korea. The Obama administration continued this limited development with the installation of the Phased Adaptive MD System in Europe for protection against Iran. The Obama administration attempted to satisfy Russian concerns by using a phased build-up for the MD system in Europe. They focused on the total system problem, but proposed to install only the equipment necessary for current threats. However, this plan was not acceptable to Russia. A similar situation is now occurring with China concerning the proposed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) installation in South Korea for protection against North Korea. China is opposed to the THAAD installation in South Korea even though it is for “defense” only and does not threaten the Chinese ICBM force in any way. This paper will provide background information on the political issues facing MD. It will provide technical information on the major parts of the current MD System. It will also discuss the system engineering and project management approaches that should be applied to major problems such as missile defense. It will then discuss how and why technical personnel from all countries should engage in mutual discussions on MD so that they can provide the correct technical details to their political leaders on important world issues such as MD. MD will continue to be a key technical and political issue facing the US and the rest of the world. However, solid system engineering and project management principles can help technical personnel become involved in the decision making process for solving such complex issues.