But that completion date grows increasingly dubious. Perhaps as serious for the system's long-term survivability are the political questions. For a shield that protects all 50 states, radar bases to track incoming enemy missiles would be needed in NATO countries, probably Great Britain and Greenland. So far, Star Wars opponents need not worry. The program has been on a path of self-destruction.
Tests show the shield is porous, even against minor-league missile pitching.
Once elaborate decoy systems are included, it will be no contest until U.S. technology improves. That huge jackpot might be better used to shore up internal security - in American inner cities and classrooms, just to cite two examples. Shield installation would require the United States to renege on its 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty with the former Soviet Union, a move not destined to create warm feelings among the Russians. And China's jingoist leaders would be able to argue that the shield was a sign of America's aggressive intentions, as well as its disregard for world peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed an approach that solves some, but not all, these problems.