U.S. plans to develop a missile defense system got a boost last weekend with the successful test of an interceptor over the Pacific Ocean. The challenge of "hitting a bullet with a bullet" was met, and while substantial technological obstacles remain, the test results will embolden proponents of MD. They were never much restrained anyway, but many doubts about the U.S. commitment to a missile shield evaporated in the Pacific sky on Saturday. It is vital now that U.S. allies and other governments acknowledge this fact, however much they may dislike it, and demand that Washington turn its promise to consult over the program into reality.
Japan will be an integral part of any U.S. missile defense in Asia. An MD program will have direct effects on this country's national security and this obliges our government to take a seat at the table and ensure that our national interests are served by the decisions that are eventually made.
In Saturday's test, a Minuteman 2 intercontinental missile was launched from California. A little more than 20 minutes later, an interceptor took off from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific, about 7,700 km away. The two collided 225 km above the ocean surface, at a combined speed of 25,600 kph. Despite the euphoria voiced by MD supporters, U.S. officials cautioned that the test results would not be known for several months, and that some test objectives were likely not met.