What a Single Nuclear Warhead Could Do

On 24 November, the WSJ published an op-ed by Brian T. Kennedy, calling for the U.S. to immediately implement space-based interceptors as part of a multilayered missile defense system.  Mr. Kennedy stresses that this is necessary in order to guard against ship launched nuclear missiles either aimed at or above a U.S. city (an EMP attack).

 “…such an attack would effectively throw America back technologically into the early 19th century…Common sense would suggest that, absent food and water, the number of people who could die of deprivation and as a result of social breakdown might run well into the millions……The only solution to this problem is a robust, multilayered missile-defense system. The most effective layer in this system is in space, using space-based interceptors that destroy an enemy warhead in its ascent phase when it is easily identifiable, slower, and has not yet deployed decoys. We know it can work from tests conducted in the early 1990s. We have the technology. What we lack is the political will to make it a reality…” 

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