NMD installation at risk by 2005, say Defence officials

WASHINGTON, AUG. 9. Engineering problems associated with the proposed National Missile Defence system could jeopardise Pentagon's goal of having the high-tech interceptors ready to fire by 2005, U.S. defence officials have said.

Though military scientists have not yet discovered the cause of the flight test failure last month - the second failure out of three test firings - the timetable for future tests is slipping, said a defence spokesman.

The 2005 target date is important because, according to the Pentagon, that is when the first North Korean Intercontinental Ballistic Missile capable of hitting the U.S. would be ready.

The Pentagon is keen to have the system and the Republicans too have included its installation as their aim in the election manifesto.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Palestinian diplomats prepare for Statehood