Changes Include Ground-Based, Technological, Space Force Enhancements
President Donald Trump announced six changes to the country’s missile defense policy in an address at the Pentagon Jan. 17. The changes include ground-based defense, new technology, a homeland missile protection strategy, space systems, eliminating bureaucracy, and financial support from countries who receive U.S. protection.
“All over, foreign adversaries, competitors, and rogue regimes are steadily enhancing their missile arsenals,” Trump said. “They’re increasing their lethal strike capabilities, and they’re focused on developing long-range missiles that could reach targets within the United States.”
With ground-based systems, Trump said the plan calls for 20 ground-based interceptors at Fort Greely, Alaska, along with new missile detection capability.
“The U.S. will now adjust its posture to also defend against any missile strikes, including cruise and hypersonic missiles,” Trump added. “And we are, by the way, very advanced also on hypersonic technology and missiles.”
He noted the Space Force as an important component as well.
“The system will be monitored, and we will terminate any missile launches from hostile powers, or even from powers that make a mistake,” Trump said. “Regardless of the missile type or the geographic origins of the attack, we will ensure that enemy missiles find no sanctuary on Earth or in the skies above.”
The president emphasized he would continue insisting allied nations contribute to the defense picture as well.
“We’re going to be with NATO 100 percent,” Trump said. “But as I told the countries, you have to step up.”
In addition to insisting countries pay their minimum of 2 percent, he also said he would instruct the Defense Department to “prioritize the sale of American missile and defense technology to our allies and to our partners.” Trump that they’re already stepping up for that.
“Today, we reaffirm that a strong America remains the best way to prevent conflict, promote peace, preserve freedom, and protect our great people,” he added. “Together, we unite behind a noble mission: to shield our country with the greatest missile defense systems anywhere on the face of the Earth.”
View the president’s entire remarks here.
© 2019 Homeland411
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