Ballistic Missile Defense

Ballistic missile defense (BMD) technology — the ability to intercept missiles in flight and destroy them before they can hit their targets — is just beginning to approach the early stages of operational effectiveness. A political dance is evolving around BMD's deployment and its future effects on the international system.

Key Analysis
photo--The Hubble Space Telescope in low earth orbit
NASA via Getty Images
The Hubble Space Telescope in low earth orbit
Space: The Highest Ground
October 19, 2009 1221 GMT
STRATFOR presents a primer on the terrain of earth orbit, which is fast becoming essential for global military operations. (With STRATFOR map) [more]
The USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), an Aegis-equipped guided missile destroyer
U.S., Israel: Juniper Cobra 2009
October 6, 2009 1927 GMT
The United States and Israel are preparing for a major ballistic missile defense exercise. [more]
The ballistic missile submarine Yuri Dolgoruky
Russia: The Bulava Struggle Continues
July 16, 2009 2146 GMT
Russia's newest submarine-launched ballistic missile has failed in a test launch. [more]
Replicas of North Korea's Scud-B missile (C) and other South Korean missiles at the Korea War Memorial Museum in Seoul
North Korea: Seven Missiles Test-Fired
July 4, 2009 1438 GMT
Seven North Korean missile tests conducted on July 4 are more than fireworks shows for Pyongyang. [more]
Two fire units of a Patriot missile battery
Turkey: Russia, Air Defense and Ballistic Missile Defense
May 18, 2009 1940 GMT
A Turkish search for a new air defense system entails more than looking for new hardware. (With STRATFOR map) [more]
Phalanx Close-in Weapon System
Israel: A Prompt Defense Against Qassams
April 21, 2009 1843 GMT
Israel will buy a new U.S. defense system to deal with rockets and mortars fired from the Gaza Strip. (With STRATFOR map) [more]
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