Advertisement

The Latest: Trump calls for expanded missile defense program

FILE - This Dec. 10, 2018, file photo, provided by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA),shows the launch of the U.S. military's land-based Aegis missile defense testing system, that later intercepted an intermediate range ballistic missile, from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The Trump administration will roll out a new strategy Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, for a more aggressive space-based missile defense system to protect against existing threats from North Korea and Iran and counter advanced weapon systems being developed by Russia and China. (Mark Wright/Missile Defense Agency via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the Trump administration's missile defense strategy (all times local):

11:40 a.m.

President Donald Trump is calling for an expanded missile defense program to better protect the United States.

During an appearance at the Pentagon, he says "our goal is simple: that we can detect and destroy" any incoming missile.

Part of the new strategy is to create a level of sensors in space.

The president says that America's adversaries are "increasing their lethal strike capabilities" and that his "first duty is defense of our country."

The administration's Missile Defense Review is the first such program since 2010. The strategy pushes for studies. No testing is mandated, and no final decisions have been made.

The goal is to better defend the U.S. against potential adversaries who are developing and fielding a much more expansive range of advanced offensive missiles.

___

12:10 a.m.

The Trump administration is calling for expanding defense technologies in space to better protect the U.S.

A new strategy says a layer of sensors in space must quickly detect, track and ultimately defeat incoming missiles.

Details about the administration's Missile Defense Review are expected to be released during President Donald Trump's visit to the Pentagon. It's the first such review since 2010.

The strategy pushes for studies. No testing is mandated, and no final decisions have been made.

The goal is to better defend the U.S. against potential adversaries who are developing and fielding a much more expansive range of advanced offensive missiles.

 

Advertisement
Comment