Skip to content. | Skip to global navigation | Skip to primary navigation
The Missile Defense Agency’s layered system is comprised of separate operating units. Each of these works in unison with the others in the field to make up the greater Ballistic Missile Defense System. Organized into different “Elements,” each component addresses a different facet of a successful missile defense:
Charged with the discovery, development and adaptation of new and innovative technologies and concepts. The Advanced Technology Element utilizes engineers, mathematicians, researchers and other creative thinkers.
Aegis employs the latest “sea-based” BMD-capable weapon systems, with the U.S. Navy’s Aegis cruisers and destroyers armed with Standard Missile-3 (SM3) interceptors. This element is designed to detect and destroy short- to medium-range hostile missiles in the midcourse phase of flight. MDA manages the continuing development, testing and acquisition effort. Applicants must be trained as computer professionals, information technology specialists, engineers and other professionals.
A modified 747 carrying a high-energy chemical iodine laser that is capable of inflicting catastrophic damage and destruction to a missile shortly after it is launched, engaging the threat at the speed of light. This technology requires the skills of a collection of mathematicians, chemical, mechanical and test engineers.
A diversity of technology integrations enable communication and full interoperability among the different system elements, between the many layers of the Ballistic Missile Defense System and the military command structure. This is a complex system that demands highly-skilled communications specialists and computer and information specialists.
This element supports an array of sensors, radars, and ground-based interceptors that use “hit-to-kill” technology to defeat long-range ballistic missiles during the midcourse phase. Interceptor missiles approach the attacking warhead with a closing speed of approximately 15,000 miles per hour. MDA manages the development, testing and acquisition effort. Training as aerospace engineers, mechanical engineers, computer engineers or others is required.
The most mature hit-to-kill weapon system of the Ballistic Missile Defense System is the PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) System, which is now operational and fielded by the U.S. Army.
Sensors Element manages radio, electro-optical and infrared technologies to identify a missile threat at the earliest possible point and track it throughout its trajectory. Personnel develop, acquire, test, field and operate highly complex systems that include land, sea, airborne and space-based detection capabilities.
THAAD is a rapidly and strategically deployable, land-based mobile area defense system that can travel with our forces to protect them in the field. It is the only missile defense system capable of intercepting short- to intermediate range missiles both inside and outside the earth’s atmosphere.