U.S. Department of Defense - Missile Defense Agency

U.S. Department of Defense - Missile Defense Agency

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MDA Leadership

Within the Department of Defense, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is responsible for managing, directing, and executing the Missile Defense Program. The president and Congress rely on the MDA leadership to provide guidance to carry out the mission entrusted to them.

Director, Missile Defense Agency

December 5, 2023 — present Lt. Gen. Heath A. Collins, USAF

Lt Gen Heath Collins


Organizational Chart

MDA's current organizational chart.


Former Directors

The below list includes former directors of the Missile Defense Agency and its legacy organizations, the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO).

May 31, 2019 — July 31, 2023 Vice Adm. Jon A. Hill, USN
June 16, 2017 — May 31, 2019 Lt. Gen. Samuel A. Greaves, USAF
Nov. 19, 2012 — June 16, 2017 Vice Adm. James D. Syring, USN
Nov. 21, 2008 — Nov. 19, 2012 Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly, USA
July 2, 2004 — Nov. 21, 2008 Lt. Gen. Henry A. Obering, USAF
June 14, 1999 — July 2, 2004 Lt. Gen. Ronald T. Kadish, USAF
Aug. 1, 1996 — May 28, 1999 Lt. Gen. Lester L. Lyles, USAF
Nov. 22, 1993 — May 31, 1996 Lt. Gen. Malcolm R. O'Neill, USA
July 10, 1990 — Jan. 20, 1993 Ambassador Henry F. Cooper
Feb. 1, 1989 — June 30, 1990 Lt. Gen. George L. Monahan, Jr., USAF
March 27, 1984 — Jan. 31, 1989 Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson, USAF