For more than 20 years, the Missile Defense Agency has delivered advanced and innovative missile defense capabilities to strengthen the Nation’s deterrence and enhance its military power. Today, MDA continues to transform the way the United States develops and delivers the missile defense capabilities of the future.
In 2025... MDA began working on the Golden Dome for America program and demonstrated the next step in hypersonic defense. MDA provided analysis on real world events to the Navy, and accelerated delivery of ship updates and SM-3 Block 1B missiles. MDA began delivery of THAAD interceptors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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LEADING THE WAY FOR NEXT-GENERATION MISSILE DEFENSE: MDA is a leader in developing the Golden Dome For America architecture, and engaging with industry. [more] RADAR PASSES TEST: The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station, Alaska, successfully acquired, tracked and reported missile target data to the Command and Control Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC). This was the radar’s first flight test tracking a live Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) representative target.[more] [YouTube] NEXT STEP IN HYPERSONIC MISSILE DEFENSE: Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40) demonstrated the ability to detect, track and perform a simulated engagement of an advanced maneuvering hypersonic target using the Sea Based Terminal (SBT) Increment 3 capability embedded in the latest Aegis software baseline. FTX-40 also provided a data collection opportunity for the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) demonstration satellite. [more] [YouTube] |
In 2024... Missile defense systems were successful in real world combat events including the Aegis Weapon System and the Israeli Arrow 3 and David's Sling weapon systems. The U.S. Space Force successfully launched two satellites for MDA's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) for two years of on-orbit testing. MDA, in cooperation with U.S. Department of Defense partners, successfully conducted a live intercept of a ballistic missile target, marking the first Ballistic Missile Defense test executed from Guam.
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Missile defense systems successful in real world combat events. Iran conducted an attack on Israel with over 300 weapons, including ballistic missiles, land attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The vast majority of the drones and missiles were intercepted by Israel’s own air defenses and warplanes and in coordination with U.S. forces. The U.S. Standard Missile-3 ballistic missile interceptor was used for first time in combat and the Israeli Arrow 3 and David's Sling weapon systems were both used successfully. [video] Hypersonic Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites launched. The U.S. Space Force successfully launched two prototype satellites for MDA, initiating the start of two years of on-orbit testing. HBTSS is a satellite-based sensor system being developed to provide high-precision tracking data of hypersonic and ballistic threats. [more] [YouTube] Intercept test on Guam successful. MDA, in cooperation with DoD partners, successfully conducted a live intercept of a ballistic missile target, marking the first Ballistic Missile Defense test executed from Guam. The new AN/TPY-6 radar tracked the target after launch to intercept in the first end-to-end tracking use of the radar during a live ballistic missile flight test. [more] [Defense.gov] MDA supports services with Space Domain Awareness. In 2024 the US Space Command officially approved the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) for Space Domain Awareness (SDA). MDA also supported the Navy's SDA capability during system test events and fleet demonstrations. May 2024, two Navy ships successfully detected and reported the position of satellites to the National Space Defense Center without operators in the loop. [more] |
In 2023… Chief of Naval Operations formally accepted Aegis Ashore Poland in December, which was followed by transfer of authority to NATO in 2024. Missile Defense Executive Board approved Glide Phase Interceptor for technology development. In a realistic live-fire joint test, one of the largest Integrated Air and Missile Defense events ever conducted by the U.S. Navy and MDA on 25 October 2023, a Navy Aegis Destroyer demonstrated the successful engagements of two short-range ballistic missile targets and simultaneous successful engagements of two subsonic anti-ship cruise missile drone targets. Joint Track Management Capability (JTMC) Bridge successfully connected Service sensors and shooters.
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Aegis Ashore Poland added to EPAA architecture. This milestone, Technical Capability Declaration, signified that Aegis Ashore Poland demonstrated the capability to increase the defended area of Europe. Aegis Ashore Poland provides a significant U.S. regional missile defense capability to protect European NATO states against medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats coming from outside the Euro-Atlantic region. The transfer of authority of Aegis Ashore Poland to NATO occurred in summer 2024. [more] Aegis Weapon System successfully demonstrated an initial hypersonic defensive capability. Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (FTM)-31 validated Standard Missile (SM)-6 Interceptor Upgraded Terminal Defense Performance against an advanced target. The test demonstrated the capability of a ballistic missile defense-configured Aegis ship to detect, track, engage, and intercept a medium range ballistic missile target in the terminal phase of flight. This test allowed MDA to add this capability against hypersonic missiles to the operational capability baseline in November 2023. [more] Defenses against coordinated missile attack tested. In one of the largest Integrated Air and Missile Defense events ever conducted by the U.S. Navy and MDA, a Navy Aegis Destroyer demonstrated the successful engagements of two short-range ballistic missile targets and simultaneous successful engagements of two subsonic anti-ship cruise missile drone targets. Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-48 (FTM-48) demonstrated a concurrent ballistic missile defense and anti-air warfare raid and an ability to integrate classic air defense with new discrimination and tracking capabilities to defend against coordinated, simultaneous missile attacks. [more] [YouTube] Joint Track Management Capability (JTMC) Bridge successfully connected Service sensors and shooters. JTMC Bridge successfully demonstrated exchange of data for Joint Force at Project Convergence Capstone 4. [more] Missile Defense Executive Board approved Glide Phase Interceptor for technology development. GPI complements Sea Based Terminal for a layered hypersonic defense capability. [YouTube] |
In 2022… A THAAD interceptor was used for the first time in combat, successfully intercepting a ballistic missile. CubeSats demonstrated mesh network across multiple nodes in multiple domains to support Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) and Space Force Tranche missile tracking satellites. MDA, in conjunction with the U.S. Army, successfully delivered capability and enhancements to a forward-deployed THAAD battery in South Korea in support of INDOPACOM.
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THAAD used for the first time in combat. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully interecpted Houthi ballistic missiles during January 2022 attacks using the THAAD system, including UAE FMS AN/TPY-2 radars, marking THAAD's first operational intercept in a combat environment by any nation. [YouTube] THAAD Weapon System has a perfect intercept record. Flight Test THAAD Weapon System (FTT)-21 demonstrated THAAD’s capability to fire and control two PAC-3 MSE interceptors against one SRBM target. FTT-21 verified the THAAD Weapon System using TH 4.0 software can compute MSE firing solutions, communicate with an M903 Launcher, control two MSE interceptors in flight, and successfully intercept an SRBM target. [more] CubeSat Networked Communications Experiment (CNCE) Block 2 Full On-orbit Mission objectives completed. The CubeSats demonstrated mesh network across multiple nodes in multiple domains to support Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) and Space Force Tranche missile tracking satellites. [more] Missile defense capability in South Korea enhanced. MDA, in conjunction with the U.S. Army, successfully delivered capability and enhancements to one of the forward-deployed THAAD batteries in support of INDOPACOM. The battery can now execute THAAD remote launch capability, execute Patriot Launch-on-Remote, and integrate Patriot Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) launchers and missiles into the THAAD battery. [THAAD Overview Video] |
In 2021...The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) achieved initial fielding in Alaska. THAAD/Patriot interoperability enhanced. Patriot Launch on Remote (THAAD) capability was delivered to increase Patriot-defended area and engagement opportunities by allowing the Missile Segment Enhanced Interceptor to leverage the highly effective THAAD AN/TPY-2 Radar. The Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI) program was started.
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Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) achieved initial fielding. MDA achieved its Initial Fielding milestone at Clear Space Force Station, Alaska. Turnover to US Space Force is on track for 2025. [more] [Capabilities Video] [Construction Video] Joint Tactical Integrated Fire Control (JTIFC) demonstrated. The JTIFC team successfully distributed track data and track updates between MDA's Bridge Node and the Army Integrated Battle Command System. [more] Aegis Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capability demonstrated. MDA successfully demonstrated the first-ever SDA capability of Space Command and Control (Space C2) tasking an Aegis Baseline 9 destroyer, via C2BMC, to detect, track, and report multiple space objects. This capability was incrementally developed, integrated, and tested in an At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) in April 2021, at the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex and the Ballistic Missile Defense Test Bed in July 2021, and again in a second ASD in September 2021. [more] Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI) program started. MDA awarded two contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. in support of the NGI development for improved homeland defense. [more] THAAD/Patriot interoperability enhanced. Patriot Launch on Remote (THAAD) capability delivered to increase Patriot-defended area and engagement opportunities by allowing the Missile Segment Enhanced Interceptor to leverage the highly effective THAAD AN/TPY-2 Radar. [more] |
In 2020... MDA demonstrated a layered homeland defense capability with FTM-44, the first intercept test for SM-3 Block IIA against an ICBM-class target.MDA began work on Discriminating Space Sensor (DSS). MDA delivered capability to increase defensive coverage in South Korea. In response to a request by the Commander of U.S. Forces, Korea, MDA delivered a THAAD Remote Launcher capability to improve missile defense integration and increase the THAAD defended area and improve defense against specific regional threat concerns.
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MDA delivered capability to increase defensive coverage in South Korea. In response to a request by the Commander of U.S. Forces, Korea, MDA delivered a THAAD Remote Launcher capability to improve missile defense integration and increase the THAAD defended area and improve defense against specific regional threat concerns. [THAAD Overview Video] Historic test demonstrated a layered homeland defense capability. FTM-44 was executed following extensive coordination with Department of State, multiple Services, and across a number of test ranges. This was the first intercept test for SM-3 Block IIA against an ICBM-class target. [more] [YouTube] Ground-based Midcourse Defense In-Service Interceptor Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) began. Working closely with NORTHCOM, OSD, and Congress MDA established the first-ever SLEP for the GMD systems in Fort Greely, Alaska to increase system reliability while adding capacity for the warfighter. [YouTube] |
In 2019… Historic flight test, FTG-11, was the first salvo engagement of a threat representative ICBM-class target by two Ground Based Interceptors. Conducted the most significant Israeli missile defense test in the history of the program. Flight Test Arrow 01 (FTA-01) was the first ever Arrow 3 hard body intercept of threat representative targets, scoring all successful intercepts during the test campaign. FTA-01 solidified U.S. and Israeli confidence in Arrow 3’s ability to defeat strategic threats in the region. Space-based Kill Assessment (SKA) sensors deployed. MDA deployed capability to track advanced missile threats.
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Executed historic salvo engagement of Ground Based Interceptors. FTG-11 was the first salvo engagement of a threat representative ICBM-class target by two GBIs. “The system worked exactly as it was designed to do, and the results of this test provide evidence of the practicable use of the salvo doctrine within missile defense," said MDA Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Samuel A. Greaves. [more] [YouTube] Conducted the most significant Israeli missile defense test in the history of the program. Flight Test Arrow 01 (FTA-01) was the first ever Arrow 3 hard body intercept of threat representative targets, scoring successful intercepts during the test campaign. FTA-01 solidified U.S. and Israeli confidence in Arrow 3’s ability to defeat strategic threats in the region. [more] [YouTube] Space-based Kill Assessment (SKA) sensors deployed. The SKA system is a small network of sensors hosted on commercial satellites launched incrementally during the late 2010s. These sensors are on orbit and executing planned test events. On-orbit SKA sensors have participated successfully in a variety of MDA flight tests and engineering activities. [more] MDA deployed capability to track advanced missile threats. MDA delivered rapid capability (in 24 months) in response to Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON), defense against hypersonic weapons. INDOPACOM operationally accepted the JEON capability. Space Tracking and Surveillance System reached 10-year anniversary. The two STSS satellites were decommissioned after 12 years on orbit. [more] |
In 2018... Executed two successful flight tests for SM-3 Block IB. Formidable Shield (FS)-17 and Japan Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (JFTM)-5 supported SM-3 Block IB Full Production decision, and the new Japanese Aegis Weapon system certification. Fielded and transitioned to operations C2BMC Spiral 8.2-1/BMDS Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Architecture (BOA) 5.1. Spiral 8.2-1 was a major capability upgrade linking all BMDS sensors with weapons platforms in support of enhanced homeland defense, including more intuitive screens and robust cyber protection.
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Aegis BMD demonstrated enhanced capability to defeat complex threats. Certified Aegis Weapon System BMD Baseline 5.1/Aegis BL 9.C2 providing the Navy enhanced capability to defeat complex threats, increased raid sizes and expanded battlespace through added Engage on Remote (EoR) capability. In conjunction with SM-3 Block IIA missiles, this supports Aegis Ashore BMD capability. Executed two successful flight tests for SM-3 Block IB. Formidable Shield (FS)-17 and Japan Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (JFTM)-5 supported SM-3 Block IB Full Production decision, and the new Japanese Aegis Weapon system certification. FS-17 validated NATO maritime Integrated Air and Missile Defense interoperability and demonstrated the potential use of NATO allies to augment BMDS sensor coverage. [FS-17] [JFTM-05] Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) THAAD Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Case concluded. The FMS case included seven THAAD batteries to KSA. This was the second largest FMS program ever undertaken by the U.S. and include seven AN/TPY-2 radars, 44 launchers, 360 interceptors, and construction of tactical and logistics facilities. C2BMC upgrade enhanced homeland defenses. Fielded and transitioned to operations C2BMC Spiral 8.2-1/BMDS Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Architecture (BOA) 5.1. Spiral 8.2-1 was a major capability upgrade linking all BMDS sensors with weapons platforms in support of enhanced homeland defense, including more intuitive screens and robust cyber protection. |
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The GMD system accomplished its first intercept of an ICBM target. FTG-15 supported the mandate to achieve 44 GBIs by 2017 with the successful demonstration of the three-stage C2 booster and CE-II Block 1 EKV. [more] [DOD News] [YouTube] MDA reached Ground Based Interceptor milestone. MDA successfully completed in November 2017 the Department's March 2013 directed increase from 30 to 44 GBIs for homeland defense by the end of calendar year 2017. MDA emplaced the 44th GBI at Fort Greely, Alaska (FGA) and MDA made the Technical Capability Declaration. MDA deployed a THAAD Battery to the US Forces Korea in the Republic of Korea. The high-altitude intercept capability increased the potential to mitigate effects of enemy weapons and complements lower-tier systems in INDOPACOM. First Standard Missile-3 Block IIA intercept achieved. Aegis BMD achieved the first intercept test using an updated Aegis Weapons System baseline and the new SM-3 Block IIA missile variant, a cooperative development effort with Japan supporting EPAA Phase III. [more] THAAD intercepted IRBM target for the first time. MDA achieved the first successful intercept against an IRBM target in FTT-18. This demonstration bolstered the country’s defensive capability against developing missile threats in North Korea and other countries around the globe. [more] |
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Homeland defense missile field refurbished. MDA completed the refurbishment and reactivation of Missile Field 1 to provide sufficient silos for 44 GBIs. Aegis Ashore Romania warfighter acceptance achieved. NATO Initial Operational Capability was also achieved. The complex provides a robust capability against SRBMs and MRBMs by deploying several interceptors to engage each threat missile multiple times in its flight. [more] [B-Roll] [2013 groundbreaking] Sea Based Terminal (SBT) capability verified in four flight test events. The SBT program delivered an added layer of defense for Aegis BMD to engage short range threats in the terminal phase of flight and defend ships and high value assets ashore. SBT demonstrated endo-atmospheric defensive capability. In FTM-27, which was a no-notice test, the US Navy successfully fired a salvo of two SM-6 Dual I missiles in FTM-27, event 2 against a complex MRBM target, proving SBT is a critical component of our nation's multilayered, robust BMDS. This was the first intercept test of this kind and it gave us greater confidence in the reliability and performance of SBT defense capabilities. [more] [DVIDS] |
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Standard Missile (SM)-3 Block IIA interceptor flight tested. This was the first-ever controlled test vehicle fly-out of a newly developed Standard Missile -3 Block IIA missile. The test was conducted with our Japanese partners, who co-developed the missile. The test demonstrated controlled first stage flight, stage one and two separation, second stage flight, stage two and three separation, nosecone deployment and third stage flight. [YouTube] THAAD engaged long-range target and demonstrated layered defense. In FTT-18 THAAD will demonstrate an intercept of a separating IRBM target using the THAAD radar, launcher, fire control and communication, interceptor operations and engagement functions. In FTO-02, Event 2, THAAD demonstrated a layered defense capability, while an Aegis BMD ship engaged an air-breathing target. MDA successfully conducted seven flight tests in 12 days. The tests (SM-3 IB CTV, FTO-02 E1a, AST-15, SCD CTV-02, and DST-4 events 1, 2, and 3) were conducted over a twelve day period involving four separate programs at test ranges in Israel, southern California, and Hawaii--five intercept tests and two controlled test vehicles tests. MDA issued Technical Capability Declaration for Aegis Ashore Romania. EPAA Phase II included deployment of the Aegis Ashore weapon system to Romania with capability to launch both SM-3 Block IA and IB variants and upgraded versions of the Aegis BMD weapon system. |
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Second AN/TPY-2 X-band radar deployed to Japan. Radar was deployed in Kyogamisaki in southern Japan to provide improved tracking coverage for launches out of North Korea. This radar enhances both regional BMD capability and improved defense of the U.S. homeland. [more] Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery deployed to Guam. THAAD provides defense of the entire island of Guam against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. This was the first operational deployment of the THAAD capability for the defense of Guam. Milestone reached in support of European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) Phase II. MDA completed installations and upgrades to the BMD-capable multi-mission ships that shfted homeports from Norfolk, VA to Rota, Spain, to support the EPAA Phase II architecture. The homeport transfer of four multi-mission Aegis BMD ships to Rota, Spain began in 2014 with the USS Donald Cook and USS Ross, and the remaining two Aegis BMD ships, USS Porter and USS Carney, transferred in 2015. |
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First successful intercept using tracking data from space. For the first time, Space Tracking and Surveillance demonstration satellites detected and tracked the MRBM and generated fire control quality track data and forwarded track data to the USS LAKE ERIE, which used the data to intercept the target. Conducted a complex missile defense flight test, resulting in the intercept of two medium-range ballistic missile targets. MDA conducted FTO-01 with Operational Test Agency, Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, and U.S. Pacific Command, in conjunction with U.S. Army soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, U.S. Navy sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS DECATUR (DDG-73), and U.S. Air Force airmen from the 613th Air and Operations Center. [Aegis 2013 Highlights] |
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MDA conducted historic and complex test. FTI-01 was most highly integrated BMD test to date, with soldiers, sailors, and airmen from multiple Combatant Commands refining operational doctrine and tactics by using Aegis BMD, THAAD, PAC-3 to simultaneously engage five air and ballistic missile targets using the AN/TPY-2 radar integrated into the C2BMC system. New homeland defense missile field completed. MDA completed construction of the 14-silo Missile Field-2 at Fort Greely, Alaska and emplaced the first Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) in that field. |
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European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) Phase 1 capability demonstrated. A successful intercept of a separating intermediate-range ballistic missile target by Aegis BMD demonstrated the capability of EPAA Phase 1 and a launch on remote capability involving a forward-based AN-TPY-2 radar that passed tracking information through the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communication system. THAAD demonstrated a capability against two incoming threats. In a critical operational test, MDA demonstrated THAAD’s ability to detect, track, and engage SRBM and MRBM targets simultaneously. MDA deployed Phase 1 of the EPAA. This architecture consisted of command and control in Germany, a forward-based radar in Turkey, and an Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) ship in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. |
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Airborne Laser executed two successful shoot-downs. The two successful and historic experimental shoot-downs involved a solid rocket and a boosting, liquid-fueled, Foreign Material Acquisition target. MDA completed upgrade of the Thule Early Warning Radar. The UEWR became a critical surveillance sensor for defending the United States against long-range ballistic missile attack. Early Warning Radars at Fylingdales, UK, Clear, AK, and Cape Cod, MA were also upgraded to improve homeland missile defenses during this decade. Homeland defense milestone reached. MDA deployed the 30th Ground Based Interceptor to defend against rogue state ICBM threats. |
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MDA began planning for the European Phased Adaptive Approach. The approach was based on a flexible architecture centered on the Aegis Weapon System and Standard Missile-3 and defends European NATO countries today against ballistic missiles coming from outside the Euro-Atlantic region. Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites launched. Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites launched. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) conducted first intercept in space. In FTT-11, THAAD’s intercepted an SRBM target in the exo-atmosphere and demonstrated its integration with the BMDS. |
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Executed time-urgent satellite shoot-down (Operation Burnt Frost). The U.S. Navy successfully shot down a damaged U.S. spy satellite travelling more than 17,000 mph over the Pacific using an extensively modified Standard Missile (SM)-3 interceptor and Aegis Weapon System in a time-urgent DoD-led joint national mission. [YouTube] THAAD intercepted separating MRBM target for the first time. Test allowed MDA to make an Early Capability Declaration for the first THAAD Battery activated at Fort Bliss, TX. The first THAAD Battery activated. Alpha Battery, 4th ADA Regiment, was activated at Fort Bliss, TX. Successful NFIRE data collection. NFIRE collected first-of-a-kind high resolution plume and hardbody data of a boosting missile at ~8km range. Collected multiple frames of data in multiple wavebands. Data served to anchor plume codes and plume to hardbody handover algorithms for boost phase intercept applications. |
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Conducted Ground-based Midcourse Defense Flight Test-03a. In this test, an operationally configured GBI launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base and engaged a threat representative intermediate-range target fired from Kodiak Island, Alaska using sensor information from the operational upgraded early warning radar at Beale AFB in California. [video] Completed five sea-based intercept tests in 2007. In all Aegis BMD tests, the ship’s crews were not notified of the target launch time, forcing crew members to react to a dynamic situation. The tests used Aegis BMD cruisers and destroyers to engage threat-representative short-range ballistic missiles and medium-range separating targets. [video] First midcourse intercept by an allied ship. The test off the coast of Kauai in Hawaii marked the first time a Japanese Navy ship successfully intercepted a ballistic missile target with the Aegis BMD midcourse engagement capability. The SM-3 successfully intercepted the medium-range separating target in space. THAAD radar and fire control participated in two Aegis BMD flight tests to demonstrate THAAD-Aegis interoperability. These initial THAAD intercept tests at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii demonstrated integrated operation of the system, including radar, launcher, fire control equipment and procedures, and the ability of the interceptor to detect, track and destroy the target. Near-Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) satellite launched. The NFIRE was launched in 2007 and operated by the MDA from the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center (MDIOC) at Schriever Air Force Base (now Space Force Base) in Colorado until its decommission in 2015. The NFIRE’s primary mission was to collect high- and low-resolution images of a boosting rocket to improve understanding of missile exhaust plume observations and plume-to-rocket body discrimination. |
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Sea-Based X-band radar deliver for operations and testing. The Sea-Based X-band Radar (SBX) is on station and ported in Adak, AK. This is a key MDA Test Bed asset and be made available for operational use as appropriate following integration into the system. [YouTube] Sea-based missile defense expanded. Added six more Aegis Long-Range Surveillance and Track destroyers, for a total of 11. A second Aegis engagement cruiser and delivered additional Standard Missile-3 interceptors to the evolving sea-based architecture to address short- and medium-range threats in the midcourse phase of flight for a total of three Aegis BMD engagement cruisers and four engagement destroyers. Upgraded the Beale Early Warning Radar in California. The Beale radar complements and works synergistically with the surveillance and tracking capabilities of the fully operational Cobra Dane radar in Alaska, and together they help defend against the longer-range threats coming out of East Asia. BMD system integration took a major step forward to provide effective global, layered defense. MDA delivered an extensive command, control, battle management and communications (C2BMC) infrastructure to support all BMDS elements, and were prepared to provide complete operations and maintenance support to the warfighter. Hardware and software installed at the US Northern Command, US Strategic Command, and US Pacific Command. Deployed the first forward-based X band radar to Japan. Deployed radar along with supporting C2BMC equipment, the new operational location in Shariki Japan supported homeland defense. |
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Activation of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The United States activated the BMDS for the first time to defend the U.S. homeland against limited ballistic missile attack. These first defenses consisted of 6 GBIs in Fort Greely, sensors at Beale AFB in California and on Shemya Alaska, and ships on station in the Sea of Japan that would perform the long-range surveillance and track mission. It also consisted of a very rudimentary C2BMC system spanning 17 time zones. [DOT&E report] [image gallery] BMD Pacific Test Bed activated for realistic testing. This expansive test bed included missile fields at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, the Cobra Dane radar at Eareckson Air Station in Shemya, Alaska, over 12,000 miles of fiber optic cables connecting major communication nodes are in place and nine satellite communications links, upgrading of the Early Warning Radar at Beale AFB, California, and Fire Control Nodes at Schriever AFB, Colorado and Fort Greely, Alaska. Missile defense elements could now be tied together under nearly operationally conditions. |
In 2002… Missile Defense Agency is established to execute a single missile defense program and design, develop, and test an integrated layered system of defenses to protect the US, deployed forces, allies and friends against ballistic missiles in late 2002. In 2003, first operational deployments of PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom along with PAC-2 GEM. The Patriot system, including PAC-3, successfully intercepted all threatening short-range ballistic missiles during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This PAC-3 combat proven capability was then transitioned to the U.S. Army. MDA continued to maintain configuration control and work with Army to improve and upgrade PAC-3.
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Missile Defense Agency established to execute a single missile defense program and design, develop, and test an integrated layered system of defenses to protect the US, deployed forces, allies and friends against ballistic missiles in late 2002. [video] [DoD memo] [press release] First operational deployments of PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom along with PAC-2 GEM. The Patriot system, including PAC-3, successfully intercepted all threatening short-range ballistic missiles during Operation Iraqi Freedom. [video] Transitioned Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) to the U.S. Army. MDA continued to maintain configuration control and work with Army to improve and upgrade PAC-3. [DOT&E report] |
To learn more about U.S. missile defense efforts from 1945-present, check out the history resources.