Star Wars Defense become reality

[7 Strings of Hate]

Successful Laser Attack a Small Step Toward 'Star Wars' Defense - AOL News

[Drew]

But history shows that the military has for a long time offered rosy pronouncements on missile defense. A closer look at that history suggests that this week's successful test of the airborne laser (ABL) – a laser weapon mounted on a modified 747 jet – is unlikely to meaningfully shore up the country's defense any time soon.

First, ABL was designed for intercepting short-range missiles in their boost phase, tracing the heat signal that accompanies a launch. To shoot down a long-range ICBM, ABLs likely would have to fly over hostile territory and get within 300 kilometers, given rockets' short boost times. Many scientists think that such boost-phase intercepts are unfeasible.

Despite this week's success, that appears to be the belief of the Obama administration as well. In April 2009, Defense Secretary Robert Gates canceled a planned second ABL jet.

"The ABL program has significant affordability and technology problems, and the program's proposed operational role is highly questionable," Gates said. (According to another Obama appointee, the ABL program is "eight years behind schedule and $4 billion over cost.")

Great, couple hundred billion later and we need to fly a 747 over Iran without them noticing and manage to shoot down a missile within the first 30-odd seconds of launch. America, fuck yeah!

[noodles]

Pro tip: the best way to take care of Iran is to completely ignore them, thereby not giving them a target to focus the anger of the people. Right now, the anger of the people is focusing on their own government.

[Naren]

Originally Posted by Drew

Great, couple hundred billion later and we need to fly a 747 over Iran without them noticing and manage to shoot down a missile within the first 30-odd seconds of launch. America, fuck yeah!

Well, seeing as Iran's technology could not fire a missile anywhere near us, they can pretty much just be ignored.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by Naren

Well, seeing as Iran's technology could not fire a missile anywhere near us, they can pretty much just be ignored.

Aye, but if they go after Israel, we're the ones who'll be expected to stop it.

Anyway, I picked IRan at random. If you prefer, replace "Iran" with "Name of any other country that hates America and may plausibly develop nuclear ballistic capabilities."

[noodles]

I really wish we would just cut Israel loose. They are like the annoying little kid with the smart mouth and big older brother.