International security

Why Nations and Terrorists Seek Robust, Capable Missiles

North Korea recently launched three missiles successfully from a submarine. This successful launch represents a marked improvement in North Korean military capabilities.

Shortly after news of the launch went international, a colleague asked me why so many nations – even those with large militaries – pursue robust missile capabilities. North Korea, Iran, China and even some no-state actors are classic examples of why nations and terrorist groups want missiles.

Today’s Missile Designs Originated with World War II’s V2 Rocket

Many missile designs used today by third-world nations, and even missiles sold by China, have their roots in Germany’s V2 rocket. The Nazi regime that ran Germany during World War II used V2 rockets to launch numerous assaults on London. The V2 rockets weren’t the most accurate weapons, but they managed to hit London consistently.