Boost-phase systems can boost U.S. missile defense

ARLINGTON, Va., April 22 (UPI) -- Depending on the type of boost-phase weapon system that is available for the ballistic missile defense systems of the United States, potential deployment locations can be predetermined and supporting capabilities can be deployed without raising the overall visibility of the commitment to provide a forward-deployed defense.

One can even imagine potential control regimes that would define the conditions under which certain boost-phase systems could be deployed by the armed forces of the United States.

A mobile boost-phase missile-defense capability would provide the White House with additional options in dealing with ballistic missile proliferation. The U.S. Navy already can provide the Obama administration with the option of deploying sea-based terminal defenses in the Persian Gulf to counter an Iranian ballistic missile threat to allies such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The addition of a mobile boost-phase capability would provide an option for the protection of more distant friends and allies and thereby, perhaps, obviate the need for the United States or others to take more extreme measures.

Looking at the kinds of threats a layered defense can be expected to face over the next decade, a boost-phase system should have certain characteristics:

It should be flexible in its deployment, it needs to have the capabilities to ensure large area coverage, and its interceptors need to have the performance capabilities that will provide them with adequate speed of engagement to intercept the ballistic missile threat.

Today, the only anti-ballistic missile defense system with any boost-phase capability is the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. A sea-based boost-phase system is certainly desirable. Sea-based systems are inherently mobile and have the security associated with operations in international waters.

For there is only so much that can be done with the Aegis BMDS. Given the speed of the current Standard Missile SM-3 variant, the ship must be precisely positioned in order to have any realistic chance of engagement in the boost or ascent phase. Moreover, there are a number of potential threat trajectories that are inaccessible from a location at sea.

To pursue a boost-phase strategy, the Obama administration will have to invest in other systems. One potential candidate is the Airborne Laser that is being developed by Boeing and Northrop Grumman.

Not only could the Airborne Laser engage ballistic missiles in the boost phase, but it could also address other types of targets. Clearly, the Airborne Laser has the advantage of strategic mobility and tactical flexibility. Any major airfield can serve as a forward deployment base for the Airborne Laser.

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Part 4: The advanced capabilities that will be offered for ballistic missile defense by the development of the Kinetic Energy Interceptor system

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(Daniel Goure is vice president of the Lexington Institute, an independent think tank in Arlington, Va.)

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(United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)