Program Was Cut Last Year

The Pentagon has no plans to restore funding for Boeing's airborne laser program, despite a successful test of the system February 11th. Defense Secretary Robert Gates had slashed the program from seven planes to one, cutting $8.2 billion from the 16-year-old program.

The system is designed to stop short-range missiles during their "boost phase". Missile defense advocates and at least one member of Congress, Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) have asked Gates to again expand the program.

Suburban Chicago's Daily Herald reports that Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Gates is not opposed to the laser technology, but doesn't like that getting a shot requires a 747 to "hover" in enemy territory. "We still very much want to pursue development of this promising technology, and we'll figure out down the road what the appropriate and cost-effective platform is," Morrell said.

In a speech July 16th, Gates said that the program had not demonstrated its military value after more than a decade of research and development. He cited the modified 747's at $1.5 billion each, and the millions in annual maintenance costs, as the primary reasons for largely scrapping the program. "The program and operating concept were fatally flawed," Gates said.

FMI: www.dod.mil