OPINION:
I have to admire the bravado of Tory Bruno, who claims we already have everything we need to start deploying the first elements of President Trump’s “Golden Dome” defense system (“We have the tools to build and deploy Trump’s ’Golden Dome’ right now,” Web, April 15).
It is hardly surprising that a number of recent op-eds in the Washington Times have supported the concept of deploying a Golden Dome. Those calling for rapid and effective action reflect the frustration of supporters of effective missile defense.
Within a few years of President Reagan introducing the Strategic Defense Initiative, those working on the project recognized that an effective missile defense would have to incorporate space-based interceptors. Unfortunately, successive administrations opposed the concept and funding was withheld. Thus, close to 40 years on, we still lack an effective missile defense.
It is surprising, however, that Mr. Bruno — while still calling for raid action on the Golden Dome — omits mention of this one element that could enhance the quality of the system. The earliest interception of an attacking missile is crucial for several reasons. Any radioactive material from the attacking missile will be deposited nearer to the launch site, the attacking missile could be destroyed before it discharged decoys and space-based interceptors could protect our satellites. All these advantages stem from the incorporation into the defensive system of space-based elements.
Optimistically, it will take close to a decade to develop and incorporate such space-based elements into the envisaged Golden Dome. While doing so, let’s recognize that some elements are not yet available and that completing the project is likely to require the active support of successive administrations. Nothing will be gained by ignoring reality and suggesting we are ready to deploy such a much- needed capability.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Maryland
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