Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense

Future Capabilities

Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense's (BMD) role in missile defense has evolved as the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) evolves to meet its mission, engagement of ballistic missiles of all ranges and in all phases of flight through multi-layered defense. In the initial fielding of the BMDS in 2004, Aegis BMD’s role was that of a forward sensor. Aegis BMD ships were forward deployed to extend the battlespace and provided early warning of an ICBM launch and transmitted track data to the Ground-baed Missile Defense command center via the BMDS. This tracking capability is known as Long Range Surveillance and Track (LRS&T).

In 2005, Aegis BMD’s role evolved to include an engagement capability. Aegis BMD ships, armed with the SM-3 Block IA, were capable of intercepting short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles in the midcourse phase of flight. The Aegis BMD engagement capabilities were expanded to include the terminal capability in 2006. FTM-14 (June 2008) and Stellar Daggers (March 09) demonstrated the terminal capability. The Aegis BMD 3.6.1 configuration (LRS&T, midcourse and terminal engagement capabilities) is presently deployed throughout the Aegis BMD Fleet.

Aegis BMD 4.0.1 - In Development

Aegis BMD will be able to engage increasingly longer range, more sophisticated ballistic missiles with the deployment of the second generation Aegis BMD Weapon System upgrade, BMD 4.0.1, and the SM-3 Block IB missile.

New or improved capabilities
  • Improved target discrimination
  • Enhanced Launch on Remote tracking data
  • Longer range engagements
  • Defeat sophisticated ballistic missiles
Testing: FTX-06 Events 1 – 4 (Oct 2009)

The guided missile Aegis cruiser, USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70), upgraded with the BMD 4.0.1 Weapon System, successfully detected, tracked and conducted simulated SM-3 Block IB engagements against a variety of different ballistic missile targets during a series of tracking exercises. The targets ranged from simple separating medium-range missiles to sophisticated, separating short-range missiles designed to confuse missile defense systems. All test objectives were met.

Aegis BMD 5.0 - In Development

The Navy and Aegis BMD are engaged in a joint effort to migrate the Aegis BMD capability into the DDG Modernization Program’s Open Architecture (OA) efforts. The Aegis OA program is key to potentially expanding Aegis BMD capability to all destroyers and some cruisers of the Aegis Fleet. OA and DDG Modernization will also provide the foundation for implementing Aegis BMD in Allied Navy ships.

New capability
  • Increased Sea-Based BMD Force Structure

Aegis BMD 5.1 - In Development

The SM-3 Cooperative Development Program focuses on joint U.S. and Japan development of a 21 inch diameter variant of the SM-3 missile, referred to as SM-3 Block IIA. Aegis BMD 5.1 will integrate the SM-3 Block IIA missile into the combat system. Data links will also be improved to enable Engage on Remote track data. Flight testing is scheduled for 2014.

New capabilities

  • Defeat longer range threats
  • Engage on Remote