News Article Release

MDA Director Addresses Midshipmen on Current, Future Threats

March 22, 2012

By MC3 Danian Douglas

The director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency visited the U.S. Naval Academy Mar. 20 to discuss with midshipmen, faculty and staff the significance of the Ballistic Missile Defense Program.

Army Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O’Reilly said that the proliferation of dangerous ballistic missile technology is increasing throughout the world, especially in areas where these assets are at risk of falling into the hands of extremists.

“This is a threat that’s here today, and it’s going to continue for the rest of the century,” said O’Reilly.

During his presentation, O’Reilly showed a chart estimating that 5,500 to 6,000 missiles are scattered throughout 19 non-NATO nations. When he took over leadership of the agency in 2008, only four of those 19 countries could build their own missiles. Only three years later that number has increased to 12, he said.

Another major concern in ballistic missile warfare is the advent of the anti-ship ballistic missile, which threatens not only the U.S. Navy but the shipping industry as well, O’Reilly said.

“The concern is not that someone comes up and captures a ship, but rather that they call in from wherever they are - a jungle in Burma, for example, 600 miles away - and say that if you don’t pay a ransom, they’re going to destroy every single ship going through the Straits of Malacca,” he said.

O’Reilly described a scenario showing how much easier it has become to operate these small missile systems.

“I go up to the vehicle and get a little pamphlet in English that’s sold by an arms dealer,” he said. “I’ve never seen one of these in my life, but I get into a cab, follow the ten steps, erect the missile, press the right buttons, open up the backing, take down coordinates from Google Earth and enter them in. The guidance system aligns itself, and it’s ready to shoot - with no training.”

O’Reilly also spoke about the need for future naval officers to understand these new threats.

“Ships are the premiere platform for a mobile defense system for the future,” he said. “Midshipmen should understand that missile defense is a joint Army, Navy and Air Force responsibility, and it requires everyone working together to have an effective defense.”