United States: US, Russia discuss missile shield, arms control

U.S. officials are holding talks with Russia this week on the divisive subject of missile defense and on other arms and security issues. The U.S. says its plans for missile shield installations in Poland and the Czech Republic would counter a potential threat from Iran. Russia claims the real aim is to weaken its nuclear deterrent.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i0xBv8YQwWSZqAQgjd42RCvU1uEAD95340J00

Boeing missile defense operations support 1,936 jobs

The Boeing Co.’s long-range missile defense operations in Arizona contributed more than $193 million and supported 1,900 jobs in the state in 2007, according an Arizona State University study.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/12/15/daily4.html

US, Russia no closer on missile shield, arms

Moscow and Washington are no closer to resolving their serious disagreements over missile defenses in Europe, arms control treaties and other major issues, a deputy Russian foreign minister said Monday. Speaking hours after Russian officials met in Moscow with a U.S. delegation, Sergei Ryabkov told reporters the Russian side was satisfied with the current round of talks. "On key moments we didn't succeed in bringing our approaches any closer," Ryabkov said. "But this wasn't unexpected."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i0xBv8YQwWSZqAQgjd42RCvU1uEAD9538GNO0

Polish, U.S. officials meet on anti-missile shield

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John Rood met on Tuesday to discuss the U.S.-Russia talks on the deployment in Poland and the Czech Republic of the U.S. anti- missile shield.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/17/content_10515287.htm

Lockheed backs look at space threats

The U.S. Congress has approved $5 million for an independent study of possible space-based interceptor missiles as part of the emerging U.S. anti-missile defense. The study was part of the fiscal 2009 defense spending bill signed into law on September 30 by President Bush. It is the first seed money for potential space-based interceptors since a Democratic-controlled Congress canceled such work in 1993.

http://www.reuters.com/article/AerospaceandDefense08/idUSTRE4BG04F20081217

Iran: Iran to upgrade missile production unit

Tehran A senior Iranian military officer has said the government is set to upgrade its missile production division in an effort to boost the country's defence capabilities.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200812161384.htm

UAE: UAE to Buy Into U.S. Plan to Deploy Anti-Missile System

The United Arab Emirates will become the first country in the world, other than the United States, to deploy the advanced anti-missile system THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.

http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/12/17/uae_to_buy_into_us_plan_to_deploy_anti-missile_system/1073/