New FAS Report on Missile Defense System

New FAS Report on Missile Defense System

Dear Ms. Kearney,

I am excited to share with you a new FAS report, "Upsetting the Reset: The Technical Basis of Russian Concern Over NATO Missile Defense" written by Dr. Yousaf Butt, Scientific Consultant to FAS, and Prof. Theodore Postol, Professor of Science, Technology and National Security Policy in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This report provides a technical assessment of the Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) missile defense system proposed by NATO and the United States, and the concern of the Russian Federation over this system.
Russia has repeatedly voiced its concern about the U.S. missile defense system in Europe. Over the past two years - as details and analysis of the PAA plan have emerged- Russian officials have questioned its scope and implications for Russia's strategic deterrent forces.

The Russian Federation might react by increasing the number or capabilities of their nuclear-armed missiles and/or by ending or blocking future nuclear arms reduction negotiations with the United States. This will have large implications for global security, and for President Obama's goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. Before the missile defense system is implemented, Dr. Butt and Prof. Postol recommend a non-partisan peer-reviewed study of its costs and benefits to U.S. and NATO security. To read this report, click here.
Thank you for your continued support of FAS and helping us create a safe and secure world.

With Gratitude,

Charles D. Ferguson