The Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville, Alabama just broke up and the mood was gloomy. The comments by Lt. General Patrick O’Reilly, head of the Missile Defense Agency based on Redstone Arsenal, and Dr. Uzi Rubin, the first director of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, were particularly troubling. A report from the conference:
O’Reilly, director of the Missile Defense Agency based on Redstone Arsenal, said they’re now seeing more anti-ship missiles being procured, which could be particularly worrisome if they fall into the hands of terrorists. And more countries are acquiring the ability to develop and produce their own missiles.
Dr. Uzi Rubin, founder and first director of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, later told a luncheon crowd that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of ballistic missiles in Libya, Syria, Yemen and Egypt – four of six Middle East countries in turmoil. There are more in Iran and other nations.
“Who knows what’s going to happen?” he asked.
As “rogue states” or unfriendly nations develop longer-range capabilities, Rubin said it is important not to underestimate the growing menace. He even raised the specter of such missiles being placed in, say, Venezuela, where they could threaten the southeastern United States.