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Missile-defense exercise held in Middle East
NORFOLK, Va. - In an unprecedented move, the Navy recently tested the communications network supporting its Aegis ballistic missile defense system across the Middle East. The test comes as top military commanders are expressing a hardened stance against Iran's intransigence.The upgraded Aegis systems aboard Navy destroyers and cruisers can track ballistic missiles and intercept them with ship-launched SM-3 missiles. Tensions have flared recently over Iran's intent to attain nuclear arms and its persistent threats to destroy Israel, which has indicated it could defend itself with a pre-emptive strike. The intensified sparring -- with the consequences of an additional Middle East war in mind -- has prompted U.S. military commanders to speak up. On July 2, Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, the 5th Fleet commander based in Bahrain, told a conference of naval leaders in the Persian Gulf that maritime security in the area remains an "essential condition" to global stability. While not speaking specifically about the BMD exercise, he said naval operations in the area reflect the high stakes involved. "Conducting these operations in and around the Arabian Gulf sends a signal of security within the region that is commensurate with the area's global importance," he said. The BMD exercise, which took place from June 28 through July 2, involved the destroyer Benfold operating in the Persian Gulf and the destroyer Russell operating in the eastern Mediterranean. Posted by: 3dc 2008-07-09 |
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