(PatriotNews.net) – Is the U.S. falling behind in its defense against North Korea due to a proposed three-year delay in Next Generation Interceptor deployment?
At a Glance
- Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey voices concern over delayed Next Generation Interceptor deployment.
- North Korea’s growing ICBM capability poses increasing threats to the U.S.
- Only 44 ground-based interceptors currently protect the U.S. homeland.
- The 2022 National Defense Strategy prioritizes homeland defense but allocates less than 1% of the budget to ICBM threats.
Delay in Defense Capabilities
Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey highlighted an alarming three-year delay in deploying the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) during a Pentagon briefing. This postponement increases vulnerability amid North Korea’s advancing missile capabilities. Gainey’s concern isn’t hard to comprehend, considering the potential consequences of this delay on national safety.
North Korean Advancements
North Korea’s ICBM program continues to develop rapidly, incorporating sophisticated mobile and solid-propellant technologies. General Gregory Guillot previously warned that “concerned that Kim Jong Un’s growing ICBM stockpile could approach our capacity to defend North America.” This echoes broader fears about vulnerabilities within the U.S.’ current missile defense capabilities.
Deficit in National Strategy
The 2022 National Defense Strategy outlines the defense of the homeland and deterrence of strategic attacks as priorities. Yet, despite this, less than 1% of the defense budget is dedicated to countering ICBM threats. With only 44 ground-based interceptors currently in operation, increasing these figures is crucial to ensuring adequate protection for the U.S. against potential threats. Congress should examine measures to accelerate NGI deployment, incorporate sea-based defenses, and bolster space-based sensor support to better align with defense priorities.
Concerns and Recommendations
While the fiscal year 2025 budget request allocates $10.4 billion to missile defense, including NGIs and other systems, this funding suffices only partially. Increased investment is imperative to meet strategic objectives. “Any delay to the system is obviously concerning,” Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey remarked, emphasizing the seriousness of the current predicament. Considering potential adversaries’ advancements, the U.S. must prioritize timely and effective responses to safeguard national security for years to come.
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