Revamped Missile Defense plan in place.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Washington Pulse

The Defense Department will begin fielding missile defense capabilities in 2004. According to DFI-International, the initial capability will build on the planned Pacific Missile Defense tested and will "serve as a starting point for fielding improved, layered missile defense capabilities later."

Planned capabilities for 2004 and 2005 will include "up to 20 ground-based interceptors capable of intercepting and destroying intercontinental ballistic missiles during the midcourse phase of flight.

Sixteen...