Latest news with #RobertRasch
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The $8 billion US scramble to defend Guam from China has glaring problems
A new GAO report highlights challenges facing the defense of Guam. The watchdog said DoD hadn't determined personnel, deployment, or other requirements. The Army, in particular, has had installation and maintenance issues. The US military's plans for missile defenses on Guam are hitting major snags, per a new government watchdog report. The problems range from a lack of strategy or timeline for sustaining the defense systems, Army logistics and maintenance issues, and unknowns over the housing and base services they'll need. Last week, the US Government Accountability Office released a report documenting the challenges facing the Department of Defense in its plan to develop an enhanced missile defense capability for Guam, or the Guam Defense System. It's been a top priority as China has built up its missile forces, putting US submarines and airfields there on the frontlines of a conflict. The plan is to network interceptors, missiles, radars, and sensors to provide a 360-degree defense of the island, but the GAO said there are some holes. "DoD does not have a strategy that includes a timeline and a plan for determining when and how the lead organization — the military services or [Missile Defense Agency] — will assume responsibility for operating and sustaining those systems," the report said. DoD, GAO said, has suggested multiple military services could manage the GDS, further muddying a plan about who will take lead on what is one of the department's larger and more complicated integrated air defense networks. The GDS will involve 16 sites around Guam and is set for full installation between 2027 and 2032. It'll cost around $8 billion, Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, the joint executive officer for GDS, told the US Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee earlier this month. Per the GAO report, unanswered questions within DoD on who will operate and sustain GDS elements, and more broadly the number of personnel needed or a deployment schedule, has put the Army in a waiting position as they determine training, personnel, and facilities. Some other DoD organizations have done their own estimates for some of these areas, but there are broader limitations facing housing, schools, medical facilities, and supermarkets as well that can't be figured out until the Pentagon identifies how many service members it'll need, the report noted. The Army is also struggling to take care of its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile battery that's been deployed to the island for over a decade because the service lacks infrastructure. Army officials from Task Force Talon and the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade told the GAO they've had difficulties getting approval from the Navy for building facilities on the island; after a typhoon hit the island in 2023, the Army relied on the Marine Corps for hangars to protect THAAD launchers and radars. The THAAD battery doesn't have a dedicated maintenance facility, and Army vehicles undergoing maintenance were spotted by the GAO under temporary tarps, not a permanent facility. And Task Force Talon told the GAO their soldiers rely on bottled water due to the lack of clean drinking water in the area. All of this contributed to, the report said, "morale challenges" facing soldiers and Army civilians. The Army's plans to improve these issues have included establishing an office for managing the service's presence on Guam, signing an agreement for negotiating installation support of facilities, and having Army planners present in Guam for further discussions. Pentagon officials, experts, and lawmakers in Washington have continued raising the alarm about the threat of China's massive missile arsenal to Guam. There has been a call from the Army for more air defenses with deeper magazines and concerns among US lawmakers about the vulnerability of US bases in the Indo-Pacific. China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force boasts thousands of missiles, including the DF-26, a solid-fueled intermediate-range ballistic missile nicknamed the "Guam Express" because it can reach the island that's some 2,500 miles from Beijing. While Chinese ballistic missiles haven't been tested in combat, conflict experts have said the US could face a threat unlike anything it's seen before if it were to go to war with China. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The $8 billion US scramble to defend Guam from China has glaring problems
The US military's plans for missile defenses on Guam are hitting major snags, per a new government watchdog report. The problems range from a lack of strategy or timeline for sustaining the defense systems, Army logistics and maintenance issues, and unknowns over the housing and base services they'll need. Last week, the US Government Accountability Office released a report documenting the challenges facing the Department of Defense in its plan to develop an enhanced missile defense capability for Guam, or the Guam Defense System. It's been a top priority as China has built up its missile forces, putting US submarines and airfields there on the frontlines of a conflict. The plan is to network interceptors, missiles, radars, and sensors to provide a 360-degree defense of the island, but the GAO said there are some holes. "DoD does not have a strategy that includes a timeline and a plan for determining when and how the lead organization — the military services or [Missile Defense Agency] — will assume responsibility for operating and sustaining those systems," the report said. DoD, GAO said, has suggested multiple military services could manage the GDS, further muddying a plan about who will take lead on what is one of the department's larger and more complicated integrated air defense networks. The GDS will involve 16 sites around Guam and is set for full installation between 2027 and 2032. It'll cost around $8 billion, Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, the joint executive officer for GDS, told the US Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee earlier this month. Per the GAO report, unanswered questions within DoD on who will operate and sustain GDS elements, and more broadly the number of personnel needed or a deployment schedule, has put the Army in a waiting position as they determine training, personnel, and facilities. Some other DoD organizations have done their own estimates for some of these areas, but there are broader limitations facing housing, schools, medical facilities, and supermarkets as well that can't be figured out until the Pentagon identifies how many service members it'll need, the report noted. The Army is also struggling to take care of its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile battery that's been deployed to the island for over a decade because the service lacks infrastructure. Army officials from Task Force Talon and the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade told the GAO they've had difficulties getting approval from the Navy for building facilities on the island; after a typhoon hit the island in 2023, the Army relied on the Marine Corps for hangars to protect THAAD launchers and radars. The THAAD battery doesn't have a dedicated maintenance facility, and Army vehicles undergoing maintenance were spotted by the GAO under temporary tarps, not a permanent facility. And Task Force Talon told the GAO their soldiers rely on bottled water due to the lack of clean drinking water in the area. All of this contributed to, the report said, "morale challenges" facing soldiers and Army civilians. The Army's plans to improve these issues have included establishing an office for managing the service's presence on Guam, signing an agreement for negotiating installation support of facilities, and having Army planners present in Guam for further discussions. Pentagon officials, experts, and lawmakers in Washington have continued raising the alarm about the threat of China's massive missile arsenal to Guam. There has been a call from the Army for more air defenses with deeper magazines and concerns among US lawmakers about the vulnerability of US bases in the Indo-Pacific. China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force boasts thousands of missiles, including the DF-26, a solid-fueled intermediate-range ballistic missile nicknamed the "Guam Express" because it can reach the island that's some 2,500 miles from Beijing. While Chinese ballistic missiles haven't been tested in combat, conflict experts have said the US could face a threat unlike anything it's seen before if it were to go to war with China.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 20 May
Article – RNZ A round-up of news from around the region, including Solomon Islands' prime minister warning government workers off Taiwan. An army officer overseeing plans for a 360-degree missile system for Guam says it will cost approximately US$8 billion. Lieutenant General Robert Rasch, the executive director of the Guam Defense System Joint Program Office, spoke to a US Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week. Lieutenant General Rasch told members of the Senate committee that the price tag is 'really the cost of the systems that the services were building already that will now be located at Guam, approximately $8 billion across all the service'. He said the effort on Guam was to 'get as much capability as soon as possible'. One senator asked how long until the system will be operational. Lieutenant General Rasch said they will be improving this capability forever, and defense never rests. Tonga – dengue Dengue cases in Tonga have now reached 756. In an update released on Monday night, Tonga's Ministry of Health reported there were six people in hospital with the disease. It said 381 cases are from Tongatapu, 309 from Vava'u, 62 from 'Eua, and four from Ha'apai. The health ministry said case investigations and vector control are ongoing. Solomon Islands – One-China Policy The Solomon Islands' prime minister has warned government workers against engaging with 'Taiwan'. In a statement, Jeremiah Manele reaffirmed his government's commitment to the One-China Policy. Earlier this month Manele survived a motion of no confidence, the second such challenge he's had to face during his first year in government. It's given rise to talks of new legislation aimed at curbing political instability in the country. Last week, the ABC reported a newly appointed government minister was pressured by China to quit an international group critical of its policies. Beijing's Embassy in Honiara said the allegations are baseless. It said China will never interfere in Solomon Islands internal affairs and also firmly oppose any other countries' interference in Solomon Islands' internal affairs. Fiji – methamphetamine Three men, including an officer of the Counter Narcotics Bureau, have been charged in Fiji in relation to importing methamphetamine. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service said the intercept took place last week after Customs Officers identified irregularities during screening of an airfreight consignment from a Southeast African nation. The Fiji Times reported the three men each face a charge of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, while two of them also face a charge of possession of properties suspected of being proceeds of crime. Police prosecutor, Inspector Pramesh Chand, told the court a fourth suspect had also been arrested. Australia – visit Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong is travelling to the Pacific with a delegation this week. In a joint statement the ministers said they will travel to Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu. They will meet with each nation's prime ministers, including discussing the strengthening of the Vuvale Partnership with Sitiveni Rabuka in Fiji. The ministers said this early visit to the region, soon after the Australian election, demonstrates how deeply they value being part of the Pacific family. Niue – fisheries The 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee has wrapped up in Alofi. The Forum Fisheries Agency said officials from across the Pacific focused on advancing the sustainable management of the region's tuna fisheries. It said officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities including climate resilience and strengthened international engagement. The outcomes from this meeting will be presented to ministers at the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting in July.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 20 May
Guam - defence An army officer overseeing plans for a 360-degree missile system for Guam says it will cost approximately US$8 billion. Lieutenant General Robert Rasch, the executive director of the Guam Defense System Joint Program Office, spoke to a US Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week. Lieutenant General Rasch told members of the Senate committee that the price tag is "really the cost of the systems that the services were building already that will now be located at Guam, approximately $8 billion across all the service". He said the effort on Guam was to "get as much capability as soon as possible". One senator asked how long until the system will be operational. Lieutenant General Rasch said they will be improving this capability forever, and defense never rests. Tonga - dengue Dengue cases in Tonga have now reached 756. In an update released on Monday night, Tonga's Ministry of Health reported there were six people in hospital with the disease. It said 381 cases are from Tongatapu, 309 from Vava'u, 62 from 'Eua, and four from Ha'apai. The health ministry said case investigations and vector control are ongoing. Solomon Islands - One-China Policy The Solomon Islands' prime minister has warned government workers against engaging with "Taiwan". In a statement, Jeremiah Manele reaffirmed his government's commitment to the One-China Policy. Earlier this month Manele survived a motion of no confidence, the second such challenge he's had to face during his first year in government. It's given rise to talks of new legislation aimed at curbing political instability in the country. Last week, the ABC reported a newly appointed government minister was pressured by China to quit an international group critical of its policies. Beijing's Embassy in Honiara said the allegations are baseless. It said China will never interfere in Solomon Islands internal affairs and also firmly oppose any other countries' interference in Solomon Islands' internal affairs. Fiji - methamphetamine Three men, including an officer of the Counter Narcotics Bureau, have been charged in Fiji in relation to importing methamphetamine. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service said the intercept took place last week after Customs Officers identified irregularities during screening of an airfreight consignment from a Southeast African nation. The Fiji Times reported the three men each face a charge of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, while two of them also face a charge of possession of properties suspected of being proceeds of crime. Police prosecutor, Inspector Pramesh Chand, told the court a fourth suspect had also been arrested. Australia - visit Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong is travelling to the Pacific with a delegation this week. In a joint statement the ministers said they will travel to Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu. They will meet with each nation's prime ministers, including discussing the strengthening of the Vuvale Partnership with Sitiveni Rabuka in Fiji. The ministers said this early visit to the region, soon after the Australian election, demonstrates how deeply they value being part of the Pacific family. Niue - fisheries The 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee has wrapped up in Alofi. The Forum Fisheries Agency said officials from across the Pacific focused on advancing the sustainable management of the region's tuna fisheries. It said officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities including climate resilience and strengthened international engagement. The outcomes from this meeting will be presented to ministers at the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting in July.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - The actual cost of a US ‘Golden Dome' could be staggering
Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, the joint program officer for the Guam Defense System, testified at a Senate hearing this week that the cost of providing an integrated air and missile defense system — in effect a miniature 'Golden Dome,' for Guam — would total approximately $8 billion. These funds would cover the cost of placing sensors and launchers, as well as the command-and-control systems that would link them. All these systems either already exist or are in later stages of development; no new development would be involved. Responding to Rasch's cost estimate, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) extrapolated the $8 billion figure to account for the 779 cities in the U.S. that are equal to or greater than Guam's population. According to his calculation, a Golden Dome over all of America would total $6.2 trillion. And King's figure was a bit too low; applying the same methodology results in a total cost of $6.4 trillion. Whether that $6 trillion figure is even remotely accurate is far from clear. Extrapolating the cost of defending Guam to the continental U.S., but calculating not on the basis of the number of cities to be defended but rather on the island's area in square miles relative to the mainland, yields a ratio of 14.86, which results in the far lower cost of $119 billion. Golden Dome will not replicate the system currently planned for Guam by 2031. President Trump's Jan. 27 executive order calls not only for current capabilities to be upgraded over time but also emphasizes the central role of space-based assets. Among the elements of the executive order relating to space are 'acceleration of the deployment of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor layer; development and deployment of proliferated space-based interceptors capable of boost-phase intercept; development and deployment of a custody layer of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture; and development and deployment of capabilities to defeat missile attacks prior to launch and in the boost phase.' These are all new capabilities that have yet to be developed. If the cost of President Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, which provided the inspiration for Golden Dome, is any indicator, the sums to be expended on Trump's proposal will certainly exceed $119 billion. In the 25 years after Reagan first announced his plan for a missile shield over America — which critics derisively labeled 'Star Wars' — the U.S. spent $120 billion ($235 billion in 2025 dollars) on the program. Since then, it has spent billions more on the program's offshoots, such as the missile defense system at Fort Greely, Alaska. None of these expenditures resulted in an operational space-based missile defense system. In late April, the House Armed Services committee included $24.7 billion in the $150 billion reconciliation package for fiscal year 2025. Even if annual costs for this program were to remain fixed at that level, a 25-year program, similar to that of the Strategic Defense Initiative, would total nearly $620 billion. The House figure is only a small down payment, however. The program will certainly call for far greater funding as it develops over time. It might well reach the total cost of $2.5 trillion that some analysts have estimated. Golden Dome will also generate opportunity costs in terms of other defense programs being either underfunded or entirely terminated unless the defense budget can sustain major annual growth rates over a period of two decades or more. That projection flies in the face of historic defense budget growth, which has varied sharply over time and with successive administrations, and has suffered from unanticipated inflation and cost growth. In the event that budgets do not show significant annual growth, the impact on other defense programs could be severe. In that regard, it is noteworthy that without the one-year $150 billion reconciliation package — which has yet to pass Congress — the next budget actually shows a slight decline in real terms. That does not bode well for other programs that would compete with Golden Dome for defense funds. The Strategic Defense Initiative experiment included plans for space-based capabilities that took a variety of forms — none of which ever materialized. Technology certainly is far more advanced today than when Reagan launched his initiative, but the viability of a space-based missile defense system has yet to be proven. Given its immense costs, and its effect on available funding for other defense programs, Golden Dome for America will call for cautious, careful and consistent congressional oversight and scrutiny for many years to come. Dov S. Zakheim is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and vice chairman of the board for the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was undersecretary of Defense (comptroller) and chief financial officer for the Department of Defense from 2001 to 2004 and a deputy undersecretary of Defense from 1985 to 1987. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
