Speaker says missile defense is key
Peppi DeBiaso, director of the United States Office of Missile Defense Policy, spoke in the David B. Haight Alumni Center Monday morning.
“He’s responsible for developing, implementing and integrating positions regarding missile defense policy,” said Brad Thayer, head of the USU political science department.
DeBiaso spoke on the challenges of defending against ballistic missiles in a changing world and an evolving security environment. He said the ballistic missile threat is real and growing.
“More and more countries are developing the capabilities for these weapons,” DeBiaso said. “There are some struggles in bringing these weapons to fruition. Nevertheless, there is a concern there.”
A growing concern is the collaboration between countries in developing weapons.
“North Korea works with Iran. Iran works with Pakistan. Pakistan works with Syria,” DeBiaso said. “They share information on different technology, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs, which creates a whole new challenge in trying to keep these weapons under control.”
DeBiaso said not only is there a concern for the development of ballistic missiles from other countries but from different non-state organizations as well.
“We’ve seen very sophisticated military capabilities held by non-state actors such as Hamas and Hezbollah in its conflict with Israel, including long-range rockets, sophisticated artillery and even short-range ballistic missiles,” DeBiaso said.
DeBiaso said the United States is maintaining and improving its ballistic missile defense capabilities. It is also working with allies and partners for ballistic missile defense.
– rmhenline@gmail.com