Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Ballistic Missiles

The attractiveness of both ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to various actors throughout the world represents a serious threat to U.S. security. These weapons and delivery systems are popular in part because they are highly visible symbols of military prowess. As such, they provide significant influence on regional balances of power, even among friends and allies. Furthermore, as the ranges of available delivery systems increase, proliferants will eventually be able to reach, and therefore threaten, the U.S. homeland. Such weapons also give at least the appearance of being unstoppable, even by active defenses. All these features together make such weapons highly attractive as asymmetric counters to potential U.S. regional power projection. Increasing proliferation over the next few years is likely to change the very nature and scope of conflict.1