High Alert is an actual military designation and refers to a state of instant readiness for war. All of our missiles are on permanent High Alert.
They are working hard in Pyongyang to build an offensive nuclear option and are making progress. There is no doubt the regime possesses nuclear weapons. Not many, but how many do you need? It is also a distinct possibility that they are about to or have already tested a small, thermonuclear device. Such a device would be difficult to detect. One can only hope they have not developed the technology to create a version of the factual Russian 'Tsar Bomba.' If a bomb like that was detonated above the United States, it would set the clock back to 1850.
The new, two stage missile engine described in the book exists. It remains to be seen how long it will take North Korea to install it on an ICBM. Some experts believe Pyongyang already has missiles capable of reaching North America and Europe. It seems clear that the North now has missiles capable of reaching Japan.
As far as I know, the special Russian stealth helicopter described in the book does not exist. However, the MI-35M helicopter is real, a lethal evolution of the famous Hind that caused so much trouble in Afghanistan.
There has been much talk of Moscow moving their SS-20 (called the Iskander) intermediate-range missiles to the Ukrainian border in response to U.S. THAAD deployments in Eastern Europe. They may have been installed in Kaliningrad. This would be a direct violation of the nuclear proliferation treaty. To the best of my knowledge, the United States no longer keeps tactical nuclear weapons in Europe. The Pentagon doesn't really need the land-based weapons. There are plenty of nuclear cruise missiles mounted on the mobile platform provided by our naval forces.
The satellite launch site at Musudan-Ri is real. I made a few changes, but tried to describe it as accurately as possible without visiting it in person, something of course impossible to do. I have been to South Korea, so perhaps that lends a kind of distant authenticity.
The South Blade unit mentioned in the story is real. China's special forces are good and getting better. The People's Republic has been upgrading their military for years. The wisdom of having a highly professional force trained in the military arts needed to confront today's unconventional threats is beyond question. Our units are the best in the world, but there are others, like the Russian Spetsnaz, that can give them a run for the money. Special Forces are the pinnacle for a professional warrior. At that level of training and competence, the flag on one's shoulder makes little difference.
I hope you have enjoyed this book.
Alex Lukeman
March, 2017
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Always first, my wife, Gayle. No one who doesn't live with a writer can understand how difficult it can be. Her support is much better than gold.
Bill Hammerton, Paula Howard and Gloria Lakritz for their help in spotting problems before publication.
All the people I've never met who fill the internet with informative articles, research and (sometimes) useful opinions.
You, the reader. Not much point in writing if you are not there. Thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Lukeman writes thrillers featuring a covert intelligence unit called the PROJECT. Alex is a former Marine and psychotherapist and uses his experience of the military and human nature to inform his work. He likes riding old, fast motorcycles and playing guitar, usually not at the same time. You can email him at alex@alexlukeman.com. He loves hearing from readers and promises he will get back to you.
http://www.alexlukeman.com