OPINION:
Brandon J. Weichert has much right in his op-ed, “Only Star Wars can beat North Korea’s nukes” (Web, Oct. 19). Despite the devastation unleased on the world by the Chinese COVID-19 virus, we must remain concerned about the risk of a nuclear strike by regimes with which it seems impossible to create a stable, diplomatic dynamic.
Mr. Weichert notes that America today possesses the means and the immediate need for a space-based defense against a possible North Korean nuclear attack, and that the newly formed Space Force can provide the necessary infrastructure. The problem, however, is that the stated objectives of the Defense Department outlined in the National Defense Strategy issued by the secretary of defense do not include such an activity for the Space Force.
I remain a great supporter of President Reagan’s concept of an effective defense as a means of reinforcing deterrence to avoid nuclear war. Prior to the president’s announcement of SDI, I spent half of a long career ensuring that Britain possessed an effective nuclear deterrent, and the second half assisting in the development of a strategic defense. It was fully recognized over 30 years ago that an effective defense could only be achieved by incorporating a space-based element, and the technology needed was then under development. This development was stopped by political leaders in the 1990s and has remained a no-go area ever since.
One can only hope that Mr. Weichert’s recent piece catches the eye of President Trump, who then instructs the Defense Department to recommence work on the space element. If the president is successful in the November election, we still have time to correct the long, unnecessary delay in advancing this needed capability. If, on the other hand, Biden proves to be the winner, we can forget completely the thought of ever enhancing our security in this nuclear-proliferated world.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Md.
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