As missile threats proliferate, the Missile Defense Agency is looking to new sensors, tools, and adjustments to the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI). The recent booster-rocket adjustment shows promise to increase GBI effectiveness, addressing the limited defense against intercontinental ballistic missiles.
MDA personnel at Vanderberg Air Force Base in California found a simple way to improve GBI performance by implementing a three-stage/two-stage selectable launch capability. Modern digital tools are also being utilized to find further performance improvements within the agency.
Rise in new missile challenges, such as Putin’s threat to supply long-range strike weapons to proxy forces, necessitates quick and cost-effective solutions. Pentagon’s plan to field low-Earth satellites to better track hypersonics is underway, with new space and launch companies opening opportunities for hypersonic vehicles as target practice.
Defense against large drone swarms may fall to ground forces, equipped with capabilities provided by MDA. U.S. Army Futures Command shows optimism in confronting drone swarm threats with a coordinated and joint force approach, addressing the challenge of advanced drones to U.S. forces.