Chapter 471: Nothing But Bluster

"It is highly likely some kind of carefully designed performance," Professor Henderson shrugged, "perhaps they will demonstrate some kind of interception capability against low-speed, pre-set trajectory targets, and then claim this applies to intercontinental missiles. This is scientifically completely misleading, but it is very effective in political propaganda."

After the press conference ended, the *Star-Spangled Times* immediately published Professor Henderson's remarks under the headline "Authoritative Voice: Long Country's 'Missile Defense' Violates Laws of Physics," further reinforcing public suspicion of Long Country's declaration.

That same evening, the Star-Spangled Country's most popular television program, *Jinyeyujiao*, invited the country's top missile expert, Doctor Green, as a guest.

"Doctor Green, what is your take on the missile defense system claimed by Long Country?" the host asked, getting straight to the point.

Doctor Green shook his head, his expression somewhere between amused and helpless: "Frankly speaking, this reminds me of my five-year-old son, who once told me he was going to catch a Meteor with a net. Cute, but unrealistic."

A burst of laughter erupted in the studio.

Doctor Green continued: "With existing technology, the probability of intercepting a terminal hypersonic warhead is less than one in a thousand. First, we need an extremely precise Radar System capable of detecting the warhead from hundreds of kilometers away and tracking it in real-time; second, we need a Computer capable of calculating the interception trajectory within seconds; finally, we need an interceptor missile fast enough to catch up to the target. These three technologies are indispensable, and each one requires decades of research and development."

The host feigned surprise: "Then, do you think Long Country is this time...?"

"Purely political theater," Doctor Green asserted, "they might demonstrate some kind of interception capability against pre-set trajectory, low-speed targets, which is worlds apart from real intercontinental missile interception. To be honest, this is a waste of technological resources, but from a political propaganda perspective, it is indeed very clever."

The host nodded: "Interestingly, this declaration was released just after the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo successfully test-fired their latest missiles..."

"Exactly so," Doctor Green laughed, "this is clearly a psychological reaction. Long Country feels unprecedented pressure after seeing its brief technological lead being rapidly surpassed. This is a desperate struggle, an attempt to regain the attention of international public opinion."

After the program aired, the term "desperate struggle" spread rapidly among international media, becoming a popular buzzword to describe Long Country's latest action.

At the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense McMahon was pressed by reporters for his views on Long Country's "Sky Screen" system during a routine briefing.

Secretary McMahon listened to the question, paused for a moment, and then let out a hearty laugh: "Poking the stars with a bamboo pole?"

The reporters present also laughed along.

"Seriously," McMahon put away his smile, "our technical experts have already conducted a preliminary assessment of this. The conclusion is that at the current level of technology, no country—including the Star-Spangled Country—can achieve reliable interception of intercontinental ballistic missiles. This requires at least fifteen to twenty years of technological accumulation."

He paused, his tone becoming serious: "Of course, we will closely monitor this test by Long Country. The Star-Spangled Country never underestimates any potential technological breakthrough, no matter how impossible it may seem."

A reporter followed up: "If Long Country really demonstrates some kind of interception capability, how will the Star-Spangled Country respond?"

"First, we need to confirm that it is a real missile defense capability, not some kind of stage magic," McMahon replied dismissively, "If—note that I said 'if'—they truly demonstrate a real interception capability, then the Star-Spangled Country will immediately assess its strategic impact and take corresponding measures. But honestly, I think the possibility is minimal."

On Beijixiong Guo National Radio, a program titled *Frontiers of Military Science* was currently airing. The host interviewed Professor Petrov, an Academician of the Academy of Sciences.

"Professor Petrov, as an authority in the field of missile technology, how do you view the missile defense system claimed by Long Country?"

Professor Petrov stroked his graying beard, his smile full of disdain: "I have been engaged in missile research for thirty years, and I can tell you very definitively that this so-called 'defense system' is technically unfeasible. Intercepting an intercontinental missile is like... well... as likely as a bear in Siberia flying."

The host and the studio audience all laughed.

"Think about it," Petrov continued, "our 'Blizzard' missile flies at a speed of over 20,000 kilometers per hour, which is equivalent to nearly 6 kilometers per second! Can Long Country's Radar accurately track a target that fast? Can their computing equipment complete complex ballistic calculations within seconds? Can their interceptor missile be fast enough to catch up to the 'Blizzard'? The answers to these questions are clearly negative."

The host asked curiously: "Then, what do you think they will demonstrate in this test?"

"Some kind of carefully choreographed performance," Petrov scoffed, "perhaps intercepting a slow target on a pre-set trajectory, and then claiming this applies to intercontinental missiles. This is a completely different concept technically, like the difference between riding a bicycle and flying an airplane."

Facing the overwhelming questioning and ridicule, Long Country's officials maintained an unusual silence. A spokesperson for the Wajiaobu had only one answer to all questions regarding the "Sky Screen" system at the routine press conference: "Let the facts speak."

However, this silence did not calm the frenzy of international public opinion. On the contrary, it was interpreted as a sign that Long Country knew it was in the wrong, further intensifying outside skepticism.

The *World Herald* published an editorial titled "The Blustering Eastern Dragon," which wrote: "Long Country's latest technological declaration is nothing more than a political maneuver after being rapidly surpassed in the missile race. This irresponsible propaganda not only fails to help international peace but may also lead to dangerous miscalculations in the arms race."

Even some media outlets in countries traditionally friendlier to Long Country were skeptical of this declaration. A famous military commentator said bluntly on a television program: "I hope Long Country is not playing with fire. Claiming to possess capabilities that exceed current technological levels, if eventually proven false, will severely damage its international credibility."

But just as global public opinion was overwhelmingly questioning and mocking Long Country's declaration, the top brass of the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo were launching a series of secret operations behind the scenes.

In the Tuoyuanying Bangongshi, the leader of the Star-Spangled Country urgently convened a special meeting.

"I don't care what those professors outside are saying, I want to know exactly what the hell Long Country is up to!" the leader slammed a fist on the table, "If there is a one percent chance they have truly mastered missile defense technology, we must act immediately!"

Director Foster of the Intelligence Agency reported: "Sir, we have repositioned all reconnaissance satellites in orbit to focus on monitoring Long Country's northwest test site. At the same time, our signals intelligence department is doing its utmost to intercept any communications related to the 'Sky Screen' system."

"Any results?"