Missile defense in great shape, expert says Published May 10, 2007 By Corey Dahl Space Observer PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- North Korea, Iran, Syria. The list of countries with weapons of mass destruction seems to grow daily, but the United States is prepared for the threats, says Steve Fleet of the Missile Defense Agency. Mr. Fleet, director of the MDA's Warfighter Support Center at Schriever Air Force Base, gave an update on the nation's missile defense system at the Military Officers Association of America's meeting May 3. He told local members that, compared to just a few years ago, the U.S. missile defense system is in great shape and will likely improve in the years to come. "When Reagan talked about Star Wars years ago, it was just a pipe dream," he said. "Three years ago, that was still true. Now, just in time for our nation, we finally have the capabilities." International cooperation has played a large role in beefing up the nation's missile defense, Mr. Fleet said. The United States has been working with five partner countries, including the United Kingdom and Japan, to establish radars and other defense components. A recent presentation to NATO also drew interest and support from 17 countries, he said. "We have programs with many of our allies right now," he said. "We've been really active, particularly internationally." Other developments have included the sea-based X-Band Radar, a 300-foot tall portable station built on an oil rig. The highly-sensitive radar, which will eventually be stationed near Alaska, can detect the launch of objects as small as a baseball. And the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system has been in testing stages since 2005. Once fully developed, THAAD will be able to shoot down ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere. Additional projects in the development stages could help missile defense even more, Mr. Fleet said, a big plus as more countries and threats continue to develop. "More than 20 nations have ballistic missiles today," he said. "And that number is growing everyday. That's something we're worried about." But some of the challenges the MDA faces are domestic, he said. More projects need more money, but missile defense is facing a $750 million budget cut this year. Declining interest in math and science fields has also made it tough to find scientists and engineers for projects. "We're not getting the scientists and engineers we need anymore," he said. "We have to outsource them, and that's a shame." If resources come through, though, Mr. Fleet said he predicts a bright future for missile defense - a statement that reassured audience members like retired Col. Frank Wisneski. "You read stuff in the newspapers and it makes you kind of wary," Colonel Wisneski said. "I was pleasantly surprised by how well we're doing. It was comforting." Comment on this story.