Days after a scathing report deemed the Sea-based X-band radar a flop, the deputy director of the Missile Defense Agency came to the defense of the platform on April 7, calling it an important capability in dealing with foreign provocations.
“I can tell you from the warfighters’ perspective, the operational perspective, it’s absolutely the most important sensor that we have in our tool kit when the sabers were being rattled anywhere in the world, but particularly with North Korea,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Kenneth Todorov during a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “When we saw something, some intelligence cue that the regime in North Korea might be lining up something to shoot into space or potentially us, the first question of the combatant commander was how soon could we get SBX underway.”
SBX—designed by Boeing (BA) and containing a Raytheon (RTN) radar—comprises an enormous X-band radar housed in a mobile, semi–submersible vessel. It provides MDA the capability to track enemy missiles and differentiate them from decoys.
On April 5, the Los Angeles Times published a report contending that SBX would not be able to discern actual missiles from decoys if an enemy shot a mix of both. What’s more, the radar wasted funding that could have purchased ground-based radars more effective at tracking long-range missiles, it said.
Todorov argued that SBX was “vital” and “the best sensor out there for discrimination.” It has been employed in 13 special taskings since 2006, including Operation Burnt Frost in 2008, as well as 11 flight tests, six ground tests and various engagements with the Navy and Air Force, he said.
“It has huge value for the taxpayer,” he said. “The warfighter wants it every time, and it’s hugely important in tests.”
SBX is also the foundation for the long-range discrimination radar that the agency wants to develop, he said.