The United States recently simulated an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) attack, designed to mimic a potential strike by North Korea, which is a nuclear-armed nation. This drill, conducted at Fort Greely in Alaska, was designed to test and improve the nation’s ability to defend against incoming missile threats.
The simulation took place during a visit by Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, who observed the workings of the U.S. missile defence system, which has been put in place to protect the U.S. homeland from the growing threats posed by countries like North Korea.
The simulation was an essential part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the United States from the increasing capabilities of nuclear-armed nations. The U.S. Army has not yet provided further details on the drill, but the North Korean embassy in China did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
Why North Korea’s Missile Threat Is a Big Deal
North Korea is one of the few countries in the world that is armed with nuclear weapons. It is estimated that the country possesses around 50 warheads, and its growing missile technology has become a serious concern for countries around the globe. North Korea has tested several missiles in recent years, and one of its ICBMs, tested last October, can potentially travel a distance of 9,320 miles. This capability puts the U.S. mainland within its reach and raises serious concerns about the country’s growing nuclear threat.
The test-firing of this long-range missile demonstrated that North Korea could potentially strike the U.S. with a nuclear weapon, posing a significant risk to U.S. national security. In response, the United States has focused heavily on developing missile defense systems capable of defending the country from these types of threats. In particular, the U.S. has concentrated on developing systems that can intercept and destroy incoming ICBMS before they can reach their targets.
The Ground-Based Midcourse Defence (GMD) System
To counter the ICBM threat from North Korea, the U.S. developed the Ground-Based Midcourse Defence (GMD) system, specifically designed to intercept and destroy intercontinental missiles during their midcourse phase.
The GMD system is made up of 64 interceptor silos located at Fort Greely in Alaska and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. These silos house interceptors that are designed to destroy incoming ICBMs through kinetic force, which means the interceptors collide directly with the warheads in space, killing them before they can reach their targets.
This missile defence system is a critical part of the U.S.’s strategy to defend its homeland against missile attacks from North Korea, Iran, and other potential adversaries. During the simulation at Fort Greely, Secretary Driscoll observed how missile crews use the GMD system to track and intercept missiles. These simulations offer valuable insights into the system’s effectiveness, enabling the military to refine its tactics for defending the U.S. against ICBM threats.
The Potential Threats from Russia and China
While the GMD system provides a defence against North Korean missile threats, it is important to note that the system is not equipped to handle larger and more sophisticated ICBM threats posed by Russia and China. Both of these countries possess hundreds of long-range missile launchers and advanced missile technologies that the GMD system is not designed to intercept.
The 2022 Missile Defence Review, a strategic document published by the U.S. Department of Defence, stated that the GMD system is not capable of defeating advanced ICBM, air-launched, or sea-launched ballistic missile threats from countries like Russia and China.
This limitation underscores the need for the U.S. to continue developing more advanced missile defence systems that can counter the growing threats from Russia and China. While the GMD system is effective against North Korean missiles, it is not sufficient for defending against the more advanced missile capabilities of these two global powers.
The Push for the “Iron Dome for America”
In response to the evolving missile threats, the Trump administration pushed for the development of a next-generation missile defence shield, dubbed the “Iron Dome for America.” The Iron Dome is designed to defend against not only ballistic missiles but also hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial threats. This system would provide an additional layer of protection for the U.S. homeland, military bases, and allies worldwide.
The Iron Dome for America aims to build upon the successes of the existing missile defence systems while also addressing the growing challenges posed by new types of missile technology. By expanding missile defence capabilities, the U.S. hopes to ensure that it remains protected against the diverse range of threats posed by nuclear-armed countries like North Korea, Russia, and China.
What Experts Say About the GMD System
John Plumb, the former Assistant Secretary of Defence for Space Policy, emphasised the importance of the GMD system in defending the U.S. from missile threats, particularly from North Korea and Iran. According to Plumb, the GMD system is specifically designed to protect the U.S. mainland, including Hawaii and Alaska, from ICBM attacks. While it is effective against these threats, Plumb pointed out that the GMD is not capable of intercepting missiles launched by Russia and China due to the advanced nature of their missile systems.
The U.S. Missile Defence Agency has also provided further details about how the GMD system works. According to the agency, the midcourse phase of a missile’s flight begins after the booster has burned out and the rocket starts coasting in space toward its target. This phase lasts up to 20 minutes, allowing several opportunities to destroy the incoming rocket while it is still in space. If successful, any remaining debris will burn up as it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere.
Future of U.S. Missile Defense
As global missile threats continue to evolve, the U.S. must continue to adapt its missile defense systems to stay ahead of these dangers. The missile defense systems in place today, including the GMD system, offer a level of protection against missile attacks, but as missile technology continues to advance, it is clear that the U.S. will need to develop even more advanced systems to defend against a wider range of threats.
The future of U.S. missile defense is uncertain, but what is clear is that the U.S. is committed to ensuring the security of its homeland and its military bases across the globe. Whether through expanding existing systems like GMD or developing new technologies like the Iron Dome for America, the U.S. will continue to prioritize missile defense to protect its people and its allies from the growing threat of nuclear-armed adversaries.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
