The Missile Defense Challenge from Iran

03/30/2013
2013-03-30 by Richard Weitz Many questions remain regarding the actual capability of Iran’s ballistic missile program, especially the range and accuracy of the missiles, how rapidly Iran could arm them with a nuclear warhead, and Tehran’s intentions and strategy regarding the possible use of these missiles. However, Iran clearly possesses…

The F-35 is Essential to Japanese Security

03/27/2013
By Kiyoshi Takenaka Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighters are the best choice for Japan's future operational needs, the nation's highest-ranking uniformed officer said on Wednesday, in a vote of confidence for the state-of-the-art U.S. warplane.  His comments follow reports that some nations that have placed orders for the F-35s may reconsider…

MV-22 Lands in Stuttgart From ARG-MEU Deployment

03/27/2013
2013-03-27 The range and speed of the Osprey is a key capability which enables the ARG-MEU. [caption id="attachment_51809" align="alignnone" width="300"] MV-22 landing at Stuttgart airport with Air Berlin flight in the background. Credit: USMC[/caption] It allows for a increased capability to disaggregate the ARG-MEU as well. And it allows for support…

The Evolving North Korea’s Missile Arsenal: A Direct and Proliferation Threat

03/27/2013
2013-03-27 by Richard Weitz The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is working on an intercontinental-range missile (ICBM) capable of hitting targets as far as California and Alaska. In 1998, 2006, 2009, April 2012, and most recently in December 2012, the DPRK test launched a three-stage long-range missile designed to…

Japan Prepares to Build a Final Assembly Line for the F-35

03/24/2013
2013-03-24 Similar to Italy, Japan is going to build a FAL similar to what Italy has built, according to Jane’s.  According to Jon Grevatt in an article posted on 3/22/13: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is preparing to invest billions of yen to construct an assembly line to support its licensed…