US makes missile defense system operational

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has moved its ground-based interceptor missile defense system from test mode to operational amid concerns over an expected North Korean missile launch, a U.S. defense official said on Tuesday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed a Washington Times report that the Pentagon has activated the system, which has been in the developmental stage for years.

"It's good to be ready," the official said.



U.S. officials say evidence such as satellite pictures suggests Pyongyang may have finished fueling a Taepodong-2 missile, which some experts said could reach as far as Alaska.

"There's real caution in how to characterize it so as to not be provocative in our own approach," the defense official said of the move to activate the system.

The Pentagon and State Department have said a North Korean missile launch would be seen as "provocative."

While military officials also note the United States has a limited missile defense system, they have so far declined to comment on any details about the capabilities or potential use of the system to intercept a North Korean missile.
http://today.reuters.com/News/newsAr...SA-MISSILE.xml

I guess we get to test our new toy at the same time.:smokin:

No that would be something I'd like to see. Pyongyang fires off a test missle and we blast it from the sky. Hey Kim! Thanks for the opportunity to play with our new toys:thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fengzi

No that would be something I'd like to see. Pyongyang fires off a test missle and we blast it from the sky. Hey Kim! Thanks for the opportunity to play with our new toys:thumbsup:

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That would be epic. im not sure of the fall out politicly..... but yeah the guys running the system would have a blast. Like kids at christmas... with a new toy outa the box.