Posted on 06/26/2005 5:06:58 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
/begin my translation
Cruise Missile Technology Leaked from Iran to N. Korea? Entire Japan Could be Within Range
Former Ukrainian regime sold it (to Iran)
Sankei Shimbun 2005/06/26 morning issue
A speculation arose on June 25 that the technology of long-range cruise missile, Kh-55, sold to Iran by former Ukrainian regime under Kuchma, was transferred to N. Korea. Multiple sources from (Japanese) government and the ruling party admitted it. Kh-55 can mount nuclear warhead, and, if N. Korea deploys it, the entire Japan would be within range. (Japanese) government is stepping up to improve missile defense(MD) against N. Korean ballistic missiles, but it cannot cope with cruise missiles. This could nullify the new countermeasures.
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The suspicion originated from American intelligence agencies. 12 Kh-55 missiles were illegally exported to Iran in 2001, and 6 of them to China, 18 missiles in total. This was revealed by the report from an Ukrainian lawmaker, who used to be at their intelligence agency. Local prosecutors in Ukraine is now running the investigation into the international network, called 'Arms Merchants of the Dark.'
Iran and N. Korea are 'connected via under-the-surface network when it comes to the development of WMD,' according to 'the source at Defense Agency.'
According to the intelligence sources familiar with Iran's nuclear development, there was a suspicion that Iran was having a top-secret negotiation with N. Korea, in order to build the network of underground facilities for developing nuclear weapons, and it has also turned out that, in early 2005, N. Korean technicians were visiting a military base in central Iran, where there were activities related to nuclear weapons, such as experimenting with centrifuge for enriching uranium. Furthermore, Iran's ballistic missile 'Shahab,' was developed with the help of N. Korean missile technology.
Japanese government has strong suspicion that Iran transferred the cruise missile technology to N. Korea. They asked Ukrainian government for its veracity, and requested to Iranian government not to transfer cruise missile(technology) to N. Korea, showing concerns that the technology could be leaked. However, both Ukrainian and Iranian government only gave the answer saying, "Ukrainian prosecutors are investigating."
Without a pilot, a cruise missile can fly along the preprogrammed path, using high-precision guidance system, and hit the target. Since it can fly really low, it is difficult to detect with a radar, and due to its compact design, it can be transported easily in a freighter, unlike a ballistic missile.
If they acquire a cruise missile technology, such a missile cannot be intercepted by SAM missiles or large next-generation naval MD system, which the government plans to deploy.
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Kh-55 : an air-launched cruise missile developed in former Soviet Union in late 70's. 600 of such missiles were supposed to be deployed in Ukraine. It can mount 200 kilo ton nuclear warhead. Its range is 3,000 km. 50% chance of hitting within a 150 m radius of the target. Its performance is comparable to U.S. 'Tomahawk' (missile.)
/end my translation
Ping!
How long will it take Japan to develop a nuclear deterrent?
BTTT
Some say, 'In 90 days.'
I wonder if the media will be full of protestations over this dangerous provocation and creation of an arms race by North Korea, or will they wait until Japan responds in self defense and accuse them of creating an arms race?
Isn't it just as likely that it leaked from China?
Tomahawk here.
The Kh-55 is not as good as me, but good enough.
Bad news.
Japan will not like this.
I hope they take action.
That’s right, and my wealth is “comparable” to that of Bill Gates. We’re both named “Bill”, see… we’re comparable.
If the source for that claim is the same as the source for the rest, this story is probably typical kook headline grabbing BS.
"Although most publications list the Tomahawk accuracy at 30 feet the real truth lies in the computer guidance system. Tomahawk is designed to fly through a one meter square window on earth at a predesignated time. The Tomahawk has about a 85% direct hit record over its use in the Gulf war, and further firings since then. "
Leaked? More like given..............
Different words, the same essential meaning, in this case.:-)
And N.Korea will re-export this cruise missile tech. to other rogue states like pakistan in exchange for more advanced nuclear technology !!!!!Its time we stop being mute spectators and start acting against these rogue regimes!!!!
"False, They can be intercepted by SAM's especially over water. Best to intercept them using AWACS and fighters."
In theory they can be intercepted by SAM's but in reality SAMs aren't that effective against cruise missiles.Intercepting them using fighters is a much better option but not always feasible!
That's a Cruise bomb.
I love how the headline goes from the article's "sold" to "leaked."
I'm betting the missile technology is coming from China and that Iran is just the middle man.
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