RealClear Defense:
This week rebels in Yemen again launched missiles against U.S. allies in the Middle East. Unfortunately, this has become all too commonplace in recent months. But the good news is that missile defenses developed by the United States are doing their job.
In spite of these successes, some are casting doubt on U.S. missile defenses, using social media posts from the Middle East and pointing to potential purchases of Russian-made systems. While American missile defenses are not perfect, it would be a mistake to allow these crucial systems to be derailed when there is overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness.
As the former commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, it was my responsibility to ensure the missile defense systems operated by the U.S. Army were capable of defending our deployed forces and allies. In hearings before Congress, I have frequently testified to the critical role the Patriot system has played and continues to play in air and missile defense operations.
