ABSTRACT
The threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles is real and growing. The US should postpone its decision on deploying NMD, at least until the technology matures and there has been more time to evaluate the potential deletrious impact that deployment could have on other US security interests. A multi-site NMD containing more than 100 interceptors could threaten Russia's future strategic-deterrent force if it contained fewer than 1,200 weapons. Any decision to deploy a limited NMD system will require modifying ABM Treaty. Airborne interceptors launched from high-altitude UAVs may provide an effective and robust theatre and national missile defence against small states such as North Korea, Iraq and possibly Iran. The principal drawback of airborne boost-phase systems is that they offer no protection against accidental or unauthorised Russian or Chinese missile launches. The main limitation of national and theatre systems which attempt to intercept missile warheads in midcourse or terminal phases is that they are potentially vulnerable to countermeasures.
