Ballistic Missile Defense

the Son of Star Wars

The US 'Ballistic Missile Defense' (BMD) programme is not the 'defensive' system that our politicians would have us believe. It is aimed at guaranteeing US ability to intervene wherever it chooses and involves developing technology with clear offensive potential. Arms companies, one of the main driving forces behind the programme, are having a field-day. Not only are budgets rapidly expanding, but democratic control of the spending is being reduced.

As of February 2003, the UK government formally climbed aboard the programme, allowing the US to upgrade the Fylingdales early warning radar station (pictured) on the North Yorkshire Moors. But this is only the start. Further decisions lie ahead including the use of Menwith Hill satellite station and the possible basing of US interceptor missiles. The government issued a token discussion document in December 2002 but it was clear the decision had already been made.

CAAT's view on BMD is laid out in its submission to the Defence Committee inquiry.

Some Useful Links:

Missile Defense Working Group
BASIC
Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases
World Policy Institute (US)
Yorkshire CND (including interactive guides to Missile Defence)

'Axis Of Influence: Behind the Bush Administration's Missile Defense Revival'
'US Missile Defence: 10 Reasons for UK Concern' (pdf)