BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Ballistic missile proliferation is a significant concern in the Middle East. Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have closely associated themselves with the United States. These nations are targets of American adversaries such as Iran, Syria, and terrorist groups. Findings of this study revealed the following: First, the U.S.’s role in theater ballistic missile defense (TBMD) development and implementation in the Middle East is defined by its shift of the defense systems from its homeland to the region. Second, the possible avenues that could facilitate the development of a comprehensive and integrated TBMD system include facilities, training, exercises, and logistic support. Third, the current challenges in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan that are hindering the development include financial constraints, obligations associated with the creation of such a defense system, domestic politics, foreign policy, inefficiency associated with such a system, and strategic asymmetries. Fourth, the following vital ways these countries could cooperate include the transfer of advanced defense technologies, enhanced operational coordination, multilateral planning, alliance coordination mechanism, and intelligence and surveillance sharing.

Department dc:contributor.department

National Security Affairs (NSA)

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Shahkaram, Malik M.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Russell, James A.

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/62291

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/62291