Independent Scientists Say It Just Won't Work

America's much-touted ballistic missile shield is supposed to be up and running by September 30th. But an independent group of scientists say it's not going to work.

The Union of Concerned Scientists says its review of the Missile Defense Shield shows "no basis for believing the system will have any capability to defend against a real attack."

The 76-page report was co-authored by the Pentagon's chief weapons tester under the Clinton Administration -- Philip Coyle. It says the missile shield is simply incapable of living up to its billing.

"All indications are that it would not work," added physicist Lisbeth Gronlund, co-director of the group's global security program. "And the administration's statements that it will be highly effective are irresponsible nonsense."

But the Missile Defense Agency rejects the scientists' report, saying, "Even the limited defense we are mounting provides a level of protection against an accidental or unauthorized (intercontinental ballistic missile) launch or a limited attack where we currently have no protection. It would be irresponsible to not make it available for the defense of our nation and our people."

FMI: www.acq.osd.mil/bmdo/bmdolink/html/bmdolink.html, www.ucsusa.org