Submit your comments on this article |
Science & Technology |
U.S. Anti-Missile Missiles for Okinawa |
2006-07-08 |
The United States is sending four Patriot batteries, armed with the PAC-3 anti-missile missiles, to Okinawa. These batteries will defend U.S. bases there against North Korean attack. PAC-3 missiles cost $3.2 million each and are the result of two decades of development. First used during the 1991 Gulf War, the current (PAC-3) version shot down two Iraqi missiles in 2003. During the 2003 operation, 22 Patriot missiles were fired. Two of these took down two coalition aircraft. Electronic and software problems caused the IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) systems to fail. This is less of a problem with incoming missiles, as they are rarely friendly. Chinese war plans are believed to include ballistic missile attacks as well, and one of the targets is said to be Okinawa. |
Posted by:Anonymoose |
#5 This is less of a problem with incoming missiles, as they are rarely friendly. Heh heh. Understatement of the week. Heard of any incoming friendly missiles visiting Okinawa? |
Posted by: Alaska Paul 2006-07-08 18:07 |
#4 Now we need to let the Chinese know that Japan has created a nuclear warhead for the PAC-3, and has placed an order for two Trident submarines. That would REALLY curl some Chinese beards - and muzzie ones too. |
Posted by: Old Patriot 2006-07-08 17:38 |
#3 Actually, a lot of Okinawans do seethe. |
Posted by: ed 2006-07-08 10:05 |
#2 The PAC-3's range is given as "15-45 km" by Global Security, not "20 km" as in the article. Bet it's even better than that. |
Posted by: Mike 2006-07-08 09:10 |
#1 The United States is sending four Patriot batteries, armed with the PAC-3 anti-missile missiles, to Okinawa Okinawan politicians and people to seethe in 9, 8, 7, ...Oh, wait, never mind. |
Posted by: Ulurong Thrinemble4476 2006-07-08 09:08 |