Trump turns to Star Wars in a new era of US defence
PRESIDENT Trump yesterday hailed a “new era” in missile defence as he rolled out ambitious plans for a “Star Wars” programme of space weapons.
The proposed defence mechanisms would counter threats from states such as North Korea.
Measures to be considered include space-based machines that can detect, track and destroy enemy missiles.
Mr Trump yesterday unveiled his Missile Defence Review – the first by the US in nearly 10 years.
He said: “Our goal is simple – to ensure we can detect and destroy any missile launched against the United States – anywhere, anytime, anyplace.”
The plan has echoes of former president Ronald Reagan’s controversial Star Wars initiative in the 1980s.
Fears
President Reagan’s Strategic Defence Initiative saw a wide array of advanced weapon concepts, including lasers, particle beam weapons and space-based missile systems studied, only for the proposal to be scrapped.
President Trump’s review was launched amid growing fears that states such as North Korea, Iran, Russia and China could develop or already possess missile systems capable of hitting the US.
North Korean dictator Kim Jongun, who is developing nuclear weapons, has repeatedly tested intercontinental ballistic missiles, firing them over Japan.
He claims the whole of the US is within range of his ICBMs.
The review said: “While a possible new avenue to peace now exists with North Korea, it continues to pose an extraordinary threat and the United States must remain vigilant.”
The rationale for space-based detection and destruction systems stems from the fact that ICBMs are fired into space and then re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on their way to their targets, thousands of miles from their launch sites.
The review recommended studying experimental technologies, including the prospects for spacebased weaponry that could shoot down enemy missiles.
It also called for investment in space-based sensors that can better detect and track incoming missiles.
Mr Trump said: “We will protect the American people from all types of missile attacks.
“In the past, the United States lacked a comprehensive strategy for missile defence that extended beyond ballistic missiles. Under our plan, that will change. The US will now adjust its posture to also defend against any missile strikes, including cruise and hypersonic missiles.
“We are committed to establishing a missile defence programme that can shield every city in the United States. And we will never negotiate away our
right to do this.”