Missile Defense Agency

Elements

Sensors

An effective layered defense incorporates a wide-range of sensors to detect and track threat missiles through all phases of their trajectory. Satellites and a family of land- and sea-based radars provide worldwide sensor coverage.

Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR)

Two Air Force Early Warning Radars (Beale, Calif.; Fylingdales, United Kingdom) were upgraded and integrated into the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The upgrades modernized the hardware and software to improve midcourse BMDS sensor coverage by providing critical early warning, tracking, object classification and cueing data. The Thule, Greenland UEWR will complete BMDS integration in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. All three UEWRs will transfer to the U.S. Air Force for sustainment in FY11. (The Early Warning
Radar in Clear, AK is planned to begin the UEWR modernization in FY11.)

Cobra Dane Radar

The U.S. Air Force Cobra Dane radar in Shemya, Alaska has been upgraded to include the missile defense mission and has been integrated into the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).

The upgrade improves midcourse BMDS sensor coverage by providing acquisition, tracking, object classification, and data that can be used for cueing, launch of interceptor missiles, and course updates of interceptors while retaining the site’s legacy intelligence and space track missions. The Cobra Dane Upgrade has transitioned system operations, maintenance and sustainment responsibilities to the Air Force.

Army Navy / Transportable Radar Surveillance (AN/TPY 2)

Previously designated as the Forward Based X-Band Transportable (FBX-T) Radar, this X-band frequency radar is designated as the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance, or AN/TPY-2. The AN/TPY-2 is capable of tracking all classes of ballistic missiles and identifying small objects at long distances. This radar plays a vital role in the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) by acting as advanced “eyes” for the system, detecting ballistic missiles early in their flight and providing precise tracking information for use by the system. Use of multiple sensors provides overlapping sensor coverage, expands the BMDS battle space, and complicates an enemy's ability to penetrate the defense system. The same radar with different software provides surveillance and fire control support for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense weapon system.

Sea-based X-Band Radar

The Sea-based X-Band (SBX) Radar tracks, discriminates, and assesses
the flight characteristics of ballistic missiles. The SBX provides an advanced capability to the overall Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). It greatly increases the Missile Defense Agency’s ability to conduct operational and realistic testing of its Ground-based Midcourse Defense Element, while providing an operational capability to the Combatant Commands.

Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS)

The Missile Defense Agency is currently operating the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) as a demonstration program for future space-based sensor components of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Using sensors capable of detecting visible and infrared light, the STSS satellites are able to detect missile launches, provide continuous target tracking, and communicate with missile defense command and control systems.

SPY-1 Radar

Used aboard Aegis cruisers and destroyers, the SPY-1 Radar is part of the Initial Missile Defense Capability. Planned improvements to existing phased array S-band radars will enhance the system’s capability to track short, medium and long-range interceptors.

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