Missile Defense. DOD Needs to More Fully Assess Requirements and Establish Operational Units before Fielding New Capabilities

Abstract

In 2002, the Department of Defense (DOD) began developing and rapidly fielding a global Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) composed of elements that include radars, interceptors, and command and control systems. These elements are envisioned to be linked together to defend against a broad range of ballistic missile threats. In 2009, DOD began a broadly scoped review of missile defense policy and strategy intended to reassess the BMDS and set direction for the future. In response to congressional interest in missile defense requirements and operations, GAO reviewed the extent to which DOD has (1) identified the types and quantities of elements and interceptors it needs and (2) established the units to operate elements that have been put into use. GAO reviewed key analyses, studies, plans, and other documents from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the services, combatant commands, and Joint Staff; and interviewed officials from across DOD.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA507106

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Battle Management
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Defense Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Life Cycle Management
  • National Security
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control