Pentagon Suspends Missile Defense Program after Blimp Escapes

Pentagon Suspends Missile Defense Program After Blimp Escapes

The military has indefinitely suspended the JLENS program one week after one of the blimps broke free, spreading chaos with it as it went.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Nov 06, 2015

The Pentagon announced it has indefinitely suspended the program that operated the military JLENS blimps until after the completion of a lengthy investigation into how one of the blimps got loose in Maryland and drifted over 150 miles into Pennsylvania. One of the blimps cables dragged behind it, tearing down power lines and leaving hundreds of people without electricity.

The blimps of Maryland were only in a testing phase and use high-powered radar designed to help detect low-flying missile threats.

While Congress believes in the missile protection radar program, the members also believe that suspending JLENS is the right call, CBS Baltimore reported.  

"It is an irony that we have a system designed to protect us from an attack and yet it could also hurt some of our citizens," Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger said. "So let's see what the investigation reveals, but at this time, in my opinion and if I have anything to do with it, the program will not go forward."

Many Republicans have supported the program, which so far has cost $2.7 billion. It's unclear how long the investigation into the accident will last. The military has only said its investigation will be complete and thorough.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities 3