Iranian Ballistic Missile Threat and a Phased, Adaptive Approach for Missile Defense in Europe: Perceptions, Policies and Scenarios

Abstract

The purpose of this advanced research project is to analyze the threat to NATO posed by Iran's ballistic missile program and to analyze U.S. and Allies' missile defense plans for Europe. This paper argues that while U.S. and NATO missile defense plans for Europe are sufficient to defend against a medium-range ballistic missile attack from Iran for the foreseeable future, defense against a potential Iranian intercontinental ballistic missile is less certain. It also finds that the U.S. PAA avoids hard-line Russian resistance and reassures U.S. allies by investing in their nations' defense infrastructures. Finally, this paper presents potential future scenarios and provides recommendations for U.S. and NATO policy makers as they consider missile defense and options to deal effectively with the threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 15, 2010
Accession Number
ADA536364

Entities

People

  • John D. Johnson

Organizations

  • George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Defense Systems
  • Detectors
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Iraqi-War
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Rockets
  • Short Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Terrorism
  • Theater Ballistic Missiles
  • Treaties
  • United States European Command
  • Warning Systems
  • Weapons Effects

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.