House of Dynamite Author Responds to Pentagon’s Concerns Over Nuclear Missile Thriller: A Respectful Disagreement

Noah Oppenheim, the writer of the movie House of Dynamite, recently addressed concerns from the Pentagon about how the film portrays the U.S. missile defense system. The Pentagon stated that the movie’s depiction features missiles that fail to intercept attacks, which they argue doesn’t reflect reality. They claim that U.S. missile interceptors have boasted a 100% success rate in testing for over ten years.

Despite this, Oppenheim, a former head of NBC News, maintains that he consulted numerous missile defense experts. He insists that the film accurately illustrates flaws in the current system.

In the movie, ground-based interceptor missiles launched from Alaska are unable to prevent a nuclear strike on Chicago. Nuclear physicist Laura Grego from the Union of Concerned Scientists noted that the threats represented in the film might not be as complex as some real threats the U.S. could face. For example, she pointed out that actual defense scenarios involve multiple incoming missiles and countermeasures, which the film does not address.

Bigelow, the director, mentioned that the film aimed to be independent, choosing not to seek support from the Pentagon. She emphasized the fallibility of the nuclear defense system, stating, “Competence doesn’t mean they’re infallible.”

Current U.S. defense capabilities include 44 ground-based interceptors stationed in Alaska and California. Additionally, a substantial contract for a new generation of missiles was awarded to Northrop Grumman, slated for delivery in 2029. Earlier this year, Donald Trump proposed a space-based missile defense system called the “Golden Dome,” though this concept remains controversial.

Such discussions highlight the ongoing debate regarding national security and the effectiveness of missile defense systems, especially in today’s geopolitical climate. As threats evolve, the need for robust defenses and transparent discussions about their effectiveness becomes increasingly vital.

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