Patriot software again a concern? Risks Digest 22.65

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

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From: RISKS List Owner <risko () csl sri com>
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 09:31:04 -0800 (PST)
To: risks () csl sri com
Subject: Risks Digest 22.65

Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 01:58:13 -0500 (EST)
From: james.paul () mail house gov
Subject: Patriot software again a concern?

"For the second time in as many days, a U.S. Patriot missile defense battery
has apparently locked its sights on an allied fighter plane, raising concern
about a potentially serious glitch in the system's targeting software."  A
Patriot system about 30 miles south of Najaf in Iraq apparently locked on to
an Air Force F-16 fighter on 24 Mar, and prepared to fire.  The F-16
responded by firing a high-speed anti-radiation HARM missile at the battery,
destroying its radar dish.  This came a day after a Patriot missile shot
down a British Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 fighter near the Kuwaiti border,
killing both crew members. The British fliers were the first known friendly
fire casualties of the war in Iraq.  [There was discussion about whether to
blame the Patriot software or the system operators, although evidence seems
to favor the former.]  [Source: Jonathan Weisman, *The Washington Post*, 25
Mar 2003; PGN-ed]
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29390-2003Mar25.html

  [The Patriot of course had a checkered role in the 1991 Persian Gulf War,
  with initial reports of great success, followed by official reports that
  it was only about 10% successful.  But after three major upgrades, it is
  now thought to be much better, having knocked out 6 of 14 Iraqi missiles.
  PGN]

    [Incidentally, NBC on 24 Mar 2003 had an item on self-inflicted damage,
    noting that in the Vietnam War, 24% of U.S. fatalities were due to
    friendly fire.  I have heard reports that it was even higher in the
    first Gulf War.  That is truly astounding!  PGN]

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