Report Adds To Disputes Over Funding For Multiple Missile Defense Programs
The Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) system was praised as a useful asset ready to take on missile threats from rogue nations, but the system needs to be upgraded with more speed and clout, according to a joint report by two think tanks.
They are the Lexington Institute, a think tank near the Pentagon focusing on defense and other issues, and the Center for American Progress, a Washington-based think tank.
Rebecca Grant, with the Lexington Institute, and Andrew J. Grotto with the Center for American Progress, authored the report.
Viewing the Navy fleet now approaching 18 Aegis-BMD-equipped ships, the report found that this fleet “is rapidly evolving from a limited, experimental system to an operational, battle-ready missile defense capability.”
Aegis tests against target missiles often have succeeded, the report noted, adding that “sea-based missile defense works — and it’s ready to do more.”
The Aegis system involves radar-guidance-control systems by Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT], and the Raytheon Co. [RTN] Standard Missile interceptor that kills incoming enemy missiles, plus other firms.
Aegis can intercept short and medium range, unitary and separating ballistic missile threats with the Standard Missile-3.
Longer-range threats such as intercontinental ballistic missiles can be countered by the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system led by The Boeing Co. [BA], now installed in Alaska and California, and perhaps soon in Europe. As well, Boeing, along with Northrop Grumman Corp. [NOC] and Lockheed, is developing the Airborne Laser (ABL) system that can kill missiles of many ranges in their most vulnerable phase, shortly after liftoff.
Those Aegis, GMD and ABL systems are coordinated into and part of a multi-program multi-layered U.S. BMD shield.
The report advocates congressional funding support for the Aegis system. The recommendation comes as Congress each year debates possibly increasing funding for Aegis as an already-developed system, while at the same time some lawmakers advocate cutting development funds for the ABL because it isn’t yet developed.
“This investment [in Aegis] should continue,” the report states. “Near-term modifications to the Aegis system will expand the range of what can be done with sea-based assets. Improvements to radar tracking components and development of new missiles will lay the groundwork for future flexibility.”
The report noted that many combatant commanders desire the protective shield that Aegis can provide. And U.S. allies such as Japan are moving to acquire the Aegis system.
“Sea-based missile defense Aegis has the potential to serve the security interests of the United States and its allies around the globe,” the report stated. “This promising track record of performance is the result of focused, sustained investment.
“Sea-based missile defenses are now a full-fledged option for demonstrating commitment, preventing rogue states from holding allies at risk in the battlespace, and intercepting launches in critical areas.”
But the report states that Aegis still can use improvements.
“Looking ahead, future intercepts may require a missile with more speed and punch to better protect the United States and its allies from emerging ballistic missile capabilities in rogue states such as Iran and North Korea,” the report concludes.
The report titled “Sea-Based Missile Defense: Expanding the Options” can be read in full by going to http://www.lexingtoninstitute.org on the Web.