North Korea making nuclear threats

[American Patriot]

North Korea reportedly test-fires missiles into sea

Seen through a window at the truce village of Panmunjom, North Korea, North Korean soldiers stand guard at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which separates the two Koreas, on Friday, March 15, 2012. (AP Photo)



CTVNews.ca Staff
Published Friday, Mar. 15, 2013 10:03AM EDT
Last Updated Friday, Mar. 15, 2013 11:01AM EDT


There is an unconfirmed report that North Korea fired short-range missiles into the ocean Friday, in an apparent response to new sanctions imposed after a nuclear test last month.


According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, two missiles were fired into the East Sea by a North Korean military unit.
They were believed to be short-range ballistic KN-02 missiles.




In February, North Korea said it conducted both nuclear and ballistic missile tests.


On March 7, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to condemn the tests and impose tough new sanctions designed to target North Korea's ruling elite, and make it difficult for the isolated nation to obtain materials needed to build weapons.


Immediately after the vote, however, a spokesperson for North Korea's foreign minister warned Pyongyang would exercise its right to "a pre-emptive nuclear attack to destroy the strongholds of the aggressors" -- claiming the U.S. was provoking nuclear war.


In response, the White House said that it was prepared to answer militarily, if necessary.


The U.S. has been conducting joint military exercises with South Korea since Monday.



Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/north-ko...#ixzz2NccHpLNN

[American Patriot]

Pyongyang Threats Prompt US to Boost Missile Defense

Obama had halted program's expansion


By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff


Posted Mar 15, 2013 4:00 AM CDT

• STORY
• COMMENTS (8)

(Newser) – North Korea's missile warnings have the US building up its defenses, insiders tell Fox News. The Pentagon is preparing 14 new ground-based interceptors in Alaska and California. The result—44 total interceptors—is in line with Bush administration plans. President Obama had halted deployment at 30 when he entered office. "North Korea’s shrill public pronouncements underscore the need for the US to continue to take prudent steps," says a Pentagon rep.


Conservatives are likely to slam the administration for halting, then re-starting, the program because the shift is expensive, according to Fox. A missile field in Alaska, for example, will cost $205 million to prepare—more than it originally would have cost. But "anyone who suggests we should have stayed the course" with the defense system before new threats is simply doing "Monday morning quarterbacking," an administration official says.

[American Patriot]

FOX First: U.S. Increases Missile Defenses


Sources tell FOX News that North Korea’s threat of a preemptive nuclear strike on the United States has led a reversal by the Obama Administration and an increase in domestic missile defenses.
FOX News Radio White House Correspondent Mike Majchrowitz reports from the West Wing:
Audio clip:
With North Korea increasing its threats against the U.S. and advancing its nuclear and missile technology, the Obama Administration is changing course on missile defense. The Pentagon is deploying 14 additional ground-based missile interceptors in Alaska and California.
These facilities were set up during the Bush Administration, but work was halted by President Obama. Given the worsening threat from North Korea, a decision was made to proceed again. Republicans say time and money was wasted in the delay, but a White House official says there was less need for the interceptors then; the need now is much greater.
At the White House Mike Majchrowitz, FOX News Radio.

[American Patriot]

Senior Pentagon official to visit South Korea amid threats from North

By Shaun Waterman
-
The Washington Times
Friday, March 15, 2013

• Enlarge Photo
  
  
  
  **FILE** Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter speaks March 1, 2013, during a ... more >

Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter will make a two-day visit to Seoul this weekend to discuss escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, amid reports that the Pentagon is increasing U.S. missile defenses in the wake of nuclear threats from North Korea.



Mr. Carter will meet the South Korean ministers of defense and foreign affairs, as well as senior officials appointed by President Park Geun-hye, Kyodo News reported Friday, citing a statement from South Korea’s Defense Ministry.


North Korea in recent days has ratcheted up its bellicose rhetoric — criticizing the United States and South Korea for holding joint military exercises dubbed Key Resolve and Foal Eagle this month.


On Monday, the North said it was scrapping the 60-year-old cease-fire that halted the Korean War.
Pyongyang said this was a response to Key Resolve, which it called a rehearsal for an invasion of North Korea. The United States and South Korea maintain that the annual exercises are defensive.


Key Resolve involves about 10,000 South Korean troops and 3,000 U.S. personnel as well as weapons and equipment, including F-22 stealth fighter jets and B-52 bombers deployed from overseas U.S. bases.


Meanwhile, Fox News, citing congressional and U.S. official sources, reported that the Pentagon is set to deploy 14 additional ground-based interceptors at missile defense silos in Alaska and California.


The additional interceptors on the West Coast, designed to counter ballistic missiles coming over the North Pole or the Pacific Ocean from Asia, would bring the total number of interceptors to 44, as originally proposed by the George W. Bush administration. President Obama stopped the deployment of the additional interceptors when he took office in 2009, leaving the total number at 30, Fox said.


Fox reported that a senior Pentagon official hinted at the additional deployments last week in a speech to the Atlantic Council in Washington just days after Pyongyang threatened a preemptive nuclear strike on the United States.


“North Korea’s shrill public pronouncements underscore the need for the U.S. to continue to take prudent steps to defeat any future North Korean ICBM,” said James Miller, undersecretary of defense for policy.


Mr. Miller said the Pentagon has “the ability to swiftly deploy up to 14 additional ground-based interceptors, if needed,” now that Missile Field No. 1 at Fort Greely, Alaska, is complete.


Interceptors also are set up at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.


Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...#ixzz2NcczuAw3
Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter

[American Patriot]

What isn't being said is that we are increasing our missile defense capabilities on the West Coast of the US.....

Edit: Not THE ABOVE articles, the ones I didn't post! (Sorry for the confusion)

[Malsua]

What isn't being said is that we are increasing our missile defense capabilities on the West Coast of the US.....

Huh?

The articles above state exactly that.

The Pentagon is preparing 14 new ground-based interceptors in Alaska and California.

[vector7]

They are looking in the wrong place.

Companion Threads:

• Russian Navy to hold biggest war games in decades
  
• Russian Navy to Get Over 50 New Warships by 2016
  
• Putin Oversees Largest Russian Nuclear Tests Since the Cold War
  
• Russia Building New Graney Class Submarines

Underwater strategic destroyer "Dolgoruky" carries 16 ballistic missile "Bulava 30"

01/10/2013 15:51.

Russian Navy receives the first of 8 new atomic submarines

"Yuri Dolgoruky"

• "Underwater destroyer" of the same class and generation, "Alexander Nevsky" is currently undergoing the necessary tests and the Russian Navy will have it available during 2013
• On the last day of the 2012 it was lowered in the water with its "twin brother" - "Vladimir Mono" which, as the najavbljuje, be najbešumniji
• Military shipyard "Sevmaš" already started construction, and the fourth "Boreas" - "Prince Vladimir", but perfected by the project - 955A

Russian Navy substantially increased its striking power: in Severodvinsk - in the presence of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu - the more solemnly, after raising the flag over her Andrejevske, strategic nuclear submarines launched the fourth generation "Yuri Dolgoruky".

It is the newest and most modern submarine Project 955 class "Boreas" by Russian admirals considered strategic missile submarine destroyer.

These "underwater destroyers" should become the strong arm of Russia's naval strategic nuclear forces in the 21st century.

The ceremony was held at the famous military shipyard "Sevmaš," Shoigu and then - using a secure connection - everything about informed the Head of State and Chief of the Armed Forces of the RF Vladimir Putin.

"Dolgoruky" is about 170 meters long, width - 13.5 meters. Carries 16 ballistic missiles strategic "Bulava-30" (according to Western classification SS-NM-30) and nasjavremenija torpedoes.

Russia has completed the construction of two submarines of this class.

"Underwater destroyer" of the same class and generation, "Alexander Nevsky" is currently undergoing testing and teophodna Russian Navy will have it available during the 2013 year.

On the last day of the 2012th the water was lowered its "twin brother" - "Vladimir Mono" which, as the najavbljuje, be najbešumniji.

"Sevmaš" has already started construction, and the fourth "Boreas" - "Prince Vladimir", but perfected by the project - 955A.

Russia planned to build eight strategic "submarine destroyer" - three and five 955 - 955A.

The completion of this test was first submarines said deputy defense minister for armaments, Yuri Borisov at a briefing for reporters the military.

He also said that the Russian Air Force 2012 received 40 aircraft including planes multipurpose Su-30 MS, MiG-29K, Frontovski Su-34 bombers, combat training Yak-130, and 127 helicopters (Mi-28N, Ka-52, modernized Mi-24, which are undergone a thorough upgrade, Mi-8 and others).

"Yuri Dolgoruky" is designed to St. Petersburg Central Constructors Bureau "Rubin" under the leadership of Vladimir Zadornova. The foundation board in her body laid by the mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, and the head of administration of the President of Russia, Antolij Čubajs.

Initially the plan was to "submarine destroyer" is armed with a new solid-fuel rocket, "Bark", which is made in the state rocket center "Makejev". However, three missile tests have been completed and failed. Moreover, despite the technical task to be done rockets weighing up to 40 tons, experts from the Urals were offered a rocket weighing 90 tons (later said they wanted to use it on heavy strategic missile submarine 941 project applications, Class "Shark" instead of rockets lifted R-39).

Making complex strategic battle for the "Boreas" government commission has delegated the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and chief designer Yuri Solomon, whose new solid-fuel rocket RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" (SS-27), without regard to their financial difficulties, began to enter into a strategic rocket forces weapons.

For the investigation of the "Bulava" even changed one of the class projects raketonosca 941 "Shark" with the number of K-208 "Dmitry Donska", which is out of missiles.

[American Patriot]

Huh?

The articles above state exactly that.

lol... I missed that! hahahahaha

[American Patriot]

I grabbed most of those, and didn't read all of the articles. The first few I looked at (and didn't actually post) said NOTHING about it.

I just think it is funny now that you can by what they say and don't say whether they are very liberal or not biased or very conservative (so, Mal, when I said "what they aren't saying" was meant to point out the articles I didn't really post had NOTHING about US Missile Defense). I was in a bit of a hurry, so sorry for confusing things.

[American Patriot]

U.S. flies B-52s over South Korea

By Brad Lendon, CNN
updated 9:53 AM EDT, Tue March 19, 2013





(CNN) -- The U.S. Air Force is breaking out some of its heaviest hardware to send a message to North Korea.


A Pentagon spokesman said Monday that B-52 bombers are making flights over South Korea as part of military exercises this month.


READ: North Korean video shows imagined attack on Washington
"Despite challenges with fiscal constraints, training opportunities remain important to ensure U.S. and ROK (Republic of Korea) forces are battle-ready and trained to employ airpower to deter aggression, defend the Republic of Korea, and defeat any attack against the alliance," Pentagon spokesman George Little said Monday in a meeting with reporters at the Pentagon.


Little said the eight-engine bombers first flew as part of the annual Foal Eagle training exercises on March 8 and were to fly again over South Korea on Tuesday.

"This mission highlights the extended deterrence and conventional capabilities of the B-52 Stratofortress," Little said Monday.


The bombers are flying out of Andersen Air Force Base on the Pacific island of Guam as part of what the U.S. Pacific Command calls a "continuous bomber presence" in the region. It's a more than 13,000-mile round trip between Guam and the Korean Peninsula.


"These ... missions are routine and reiterate the U.S. commitment to the security of our allies and partners," Little said.


READ: China: U.S. risks antagonizing North Korea
The B-52 flights come amid spiking tensions between North Korea and the United States after the U.N. Security Council voted to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea following its latest nuclear test last month.


In a slew of angry rhetoric in response to the U.N. vote, North Korea has threatened to carry out a pre-emptive nuclear attack on the United States and South Korea and said it was nullifying the armistice agreement that stopped the Korean War in 1953.


U.S. officials said they don't believe North Korea is in a position to strike the United States at the moment, but Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced plans last week to deploy additional ground-based missile interceptors on the West Coast as part of efforts to enhance the nation's ability to defend itself from attack.


As for the B-52s, they have been in the U.S. arsenal since 1955. Once part of the country's nuclear triad planes, missiles and submarines, the B-52 is now used predominantly as a conventional bomber and as a platform for air-launched cruise missiles. The Air Force said B-52s dropped 40% of all the munitions used by coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s.

[American Patriot]

U.S. Flies B-52s Over South Korea In Exercise: Nuclear-Capable Bombers Seen As Message To North

Agence France Presse | By Posted: 03/19/2013 2:32 am EDT






The United States said it was flying training missions of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over South Korea, in a clear signal to North Korea at a time of escalating military tensions.


The flights -- part of annual joint South Korea-US military exercises -- should be seen as underscoring US commitment and capacity to defend Seoul against an attack from the North, Pentagon spokesman George Little said.


In response to UN sanctions imposed after its third nuclear test last month, North Korea has warned of a "second Korean war" and threatened pre-emptive nuclear strikes on the South and the United States.


Little said a B-52 from Andersen Air Force base in Guam, flew over South Korea on March 8 as part of a military exercise dubbed "Foal Eagle."


"The B-52 Stratofortress can perform a variety of missions including carrying precision-guided conventional or nuclear ordnance," he said Monday.


B-52s have taken part in annual exercises before, but Little said the Pentagon wanted to underline their use this time given the current, heightened tensions, and he added that further B-52 flights would be carried out.


"We're drawing attention to the fact that we have extended deterrence capabilities that we believe are important to demonstrate in the wake of recent North Korean rhetoric," he said.



That message was echoed in Seoul on Monday by visiting Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, who promised to provide South Korea with every available military resource "offered by the US nuclear umbrella".


In a major announcement on Friday, the United States unveiled plans to bolster its own missile defenses in direct response to the growing threat posed by North Korea.


Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that 14 more interceptors would be stationed in Alaska, increasing by almost half the 30 already deployed along the California and Alaska coastlines.


Hagel said the defence upgrade was designed to "stay ahead of the threat" from North Korea, which is still believed to be years from having a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to the continental United States.


The US initiative did not go down well in Beijing, where the Chinese foreign ministry warned that any effort to increase military capacity would only serve to "intensify antagonism".


China is North Korea's sole major ally and main trading partner.


Although it backed the latest UN sanctions against Pyongyang, analysts say China's main concern is to avoid sudden regime collapse in Pyongyang that might result in a US-allied, reunified Korea.


Despite its growing isolation and the stepped-up international pressure, North Korea insists its plan to develop a viable nuclear deterrent is "unshakeable" and non-negotiable.


On the first day of negotiations for a conventional weapons treaty at UN headquarters on Monday, the North's deputy UN ambassador Ri Tong-Il proclaimed the North's "very proud and powerful" position as the latest nuclear weapons state.


Ri also denounced what he termed a US policy of "nuclear blackmail" that he insisted would "in the long run give birth to more nuclear weapons states".

[American Patriot]

[American Patriot]

United States flying B-52s over South Korea

Action intended to demonstrate close ties to ally

By Robert Burns

| Associated Press March 19, 2013

US Navy via AFP
US and South Korean naval officers worked together in the combat operations center of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain during exercises Monday.



WASHINGTON — The United States is flying B-52 planes on training missions over South Korea to highlight Washington’s commitment to defend an ally amid rising tensions with North Korea, Pentagon officials said Monday.


Pentagon press secretary George Little said one B-52 flew over South Korea on March 8. And Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, who is visiting Seoul, said another bomber mission is scheduled for Tuesday.


B-52 planes are capable of launching nuclear-armed cruise missiles, but Little said those participating in the Korean exercise are not armed with nuclear weapons.
The use of Air Force warplanes as part of an annual US-South Korean military exercise called Foal Eagle is not unusual.


But the Pentagon used the occasion to draw attention to the role B-52s play as part of an American nuclear ‘‘umbrella’’ over South Korea and Japan — both of which feel threatened by North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.


‘‘We’re deeply concerned about North Koreans’ behavior and rhetoric,’’ Little told reporters.


In Seoul on Monday, Carter warned North Korea over its recent threats and reassured South Korea that America’s military commitment will not be hurt by the US budget crisis.


Carter told reporters that South Korea defense is a priority and Pyongyang’s threats would only deepen Washington’s defense commitment to Seoul.


He said that includes the nuclear security guarantee for Seoul, which doesn’t have atomic weapons.


Pyongyang is angry over US-South Korean war games and UN sanctions meant to punish it for its third nuclear test.


It has threatened nuclear attacks on Washington, though it is not believed to have the weapons needed to do so.


Carter said he discussed with South Korean officials the North’s ‘‘continued pattern of provocative actions.’’


In a separate development Monday, China said the US decision to strengthen missile defenses on the Pacific Coast in response to threats from North Korea risked deepening tensions in the region.


Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Friday announced that the United States is beefing up its defenses against a potential North Korean missile attack on the United States.


Earlier this month, China backed a UN Security Council resolution imposing banking, trade and travel sanctions on North Korea after it held a third nuclear test, on Feb. 12.


Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hong Lei, told reporters in Beijing that the antimissile deployments “can only deepen antagonism and will be of no help to solving problems.’’ Hong did not mention Hagel or the United States by name, but his meaning was clear.


Hagel said that over the coming four years the Pentagon will add 14 missile interceptors to the 26 it already has in place at Fort Greely, Alaska, at an estimated cost of $1 billion.


Hagel cited three recent developments in North Korea that prompted the Obama administration to act, including the nuclear test in February.


Hagel also cited Pyongyang’s launch in December of a rocket that put a satellite into space and demonstrated mastery of some of the technologies needed to produce a long-range nuclear missile.


And he noted that last April the North Koreans put on public display a road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile, the KN-08.


Admiral James Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that missile is believed to be capable of reaching US territory.


Although not mentioned by Hagel, North Korea raised tensions further by threatening last Thursday to preemptively attack the United States.

[American Patriot]

Carter Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to South Korea By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service SEOUL, South Korea, March 18, 2013 – During a series of high-level meetings here, Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with members of South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s new administration, and with U.S. military and diplomatic officials. Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter addresses U.S. and South Korean forces assigned to the joint operations center of Command Post TANGO near Seoul, South Korea, March 18, 2013. Carter thanked the troops for their service and reminded them to thank their family members for the sacrifices they make in serving their countries. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Carter had an excellent round of consultations with senior members of Park’s new team, he told reporters during a briefing this afternoon, and in each meeting reconfirmed a steadfast commitment to the nearly 60-year-old alliance between the United States and South Korea. “It’s safe to report that the relationship between the Park and Obama administrations is off to a very productive start,” he said. “My visit reflects the importance [Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel] and I attach to this alliance.” Park, South Korea’s first woman president, was sworn in Feb. 25, less than two weeks after North Korean state media announced that the nation had conducted its third underground nuclear test since 2006. This and other provocations that are part of a continuing North Korean pattern were key topics in discussions today, Carter said, adding that such actions pose a serious threat to the United States, to South Korea and to regional stability. “If the North Koreans think this kind of thing is going to get them anywhere, they're mistaken,” the deputy secretary said. “The only effect it's having is to bring down upon North Korea the opprobrium of the entire world.” The United States is working with friends and allies around the world to employ an integrated response to these unacceptable provocations, Carter added. The response includes United Nations Security Council resolutions with unprecedentedly strong sanctions against North Korea, and more unilateral sanctions of great effect, and the nation’s resulting progressive isolation, he said. “In the military sphere, the United States remains steadfast in its defense commitments to the Republic of Korea,” the deputy defense secretary observed. “Together, we are taking important steps to advance the alliance military capabilities.” In particular, the United States remains committed to extended deterrence offered by the U.S. nuclear umbrella, and to ensuring that all capabilities remain available to the alliance, he added. For example, Carter noted the routine presence of strategic bombers taking part in flight training on the Korean Peninsula, adding that a B-52 flight will take place tomorrow. B-52s are long-range, strategic heavy bombers that can drop or launch the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory. As Hagel announced March 15, the United States will strengthen its missile defenses and is determined to keep ahead of the progress of North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile development, the deputy defense secretary said. The annual U.S.-South Korean military exercises Key Resolve, ongoing until March 21, and Foal Eagle, a combined and joint field training exercise that runs across the Korean Peninsula from March 1 to April 30, “demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the alliance,” Carter said, “and ensure the readiness of both of our forces to defend the Republic of Korea and deepen interoperability with U.S. and South Korean forces.” On this cool, hazy Monday morning in Seoul, Carter started his day with a visit to Army Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of U.S. Forces Korea. Afterward, he met with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Sung Kim. Carter then visited the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to meet with Minister Yun Byung-se. The U.S. commitment to South Korea is very strong, Carter told Yun in remarks before the meeting. “Our capabilities are very formidable -- yours, ours and ours combined,” Carter said, clasping his hands together in illustration. “And as you know,” he added, “we have the full range of capabilities for both countries committed to the defense of South Korea. That has been true for decades, and it has not changed.” Later, Carter traveled to the Blue House and met with Kim Jang-Soo at the National Security Office. The Blue House comprises the executive offices and official residence of the president. It translates to "pavilion of blue tiles" and is built in the Korean architectural tradition with modern elements. Carter’s final meeting today was with Minister of National Defense Kim Byung-kwan. In addition to the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, Carter and the South Korean officials discussed adding military capabilities to the alliance, continuing extended nuclear deterrence, and continuing the U.S. commitment to resource the Asia-Pacific rebalance, including the U.S. presence on the Korean Peninsula. During the afternoon news conference, Carter answered a question about potential effects of extreme Defense Department budget cuts -- a process known as sequestration -- on the U.S. commitment to South Korea. Specifically, he was asked whether the United States would ask South Korea for a larger contribution to U.S. efforts on the peninsula. “The United States has not asked the Republic of Korea for funds associated with sequester,” the deputy defense secretary said, describing the process as a temporary budget turbulence imposed by the U.S. Congress that will last until Oct. 1. “We will deal with that turmoil in a way that does not affect the Korean Peninsula. That's the direction I've given,” he added, “and so operations and actions on the Korean Peninsula aren't affected.” Carter and his South Korean counterparts pledged close and continuing cooperation on these issues at senior levels of government. After the news conference, Carter and Thurman toured Command Post TANGO -- for theater air naval ground operations -- a high-tech bunker 11 miles south of Seoul that serves as the Korean theater’s main warfighting headquarters. There, Carter observed elements of the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises, and thanked U.S and South Korean troops for their service and for keeping the world safe from harm. Carter’s Asian visit will end tomorrow night after a stop in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he will hold bilateral meetings, attend a dinner with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Council of Permanent Representatives, and attend for the first time as deputy defense secretary the Jakarta International Defense Dialogue.