2014 Assessment of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS)
Abstract
This report assesses the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), its combat systems, and its sensor/command and control architecture. The four autonomous combat systems are the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Patriot. The sensor/command and control architecture is anchored by the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) element. The report covers the period of October 1, 2013, through December 31, 2014. After a brief overview of the BMDS and its elements, the tests conducted during fiscal year (FY) and calendar year (CY) 2014 are summarized and followed by a characterization of the BMDS operational effectiveness, operational suitability, and survivability. Next, an evaluation of critical attributes of the test program and their associated measures of merit is presented for each threat missile class.1 Recommendations are included in the Executive Summary. Associated with this report are three appendices presenting supplemental classified information for the three main sections of the report. A fourth classified appendix summarizes GMD flight test over the last five years and how the Homeland Defense assessment has evolved. This executive summary covers just the unclassified information. A classified executive summary is included under separate cover with the appendices and provides a single, comprehensive coverage of the entire FY/CY14 assessment. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted eight flight tests and five ground tests during FY/CY14. Data from a ninth flight test, the first system-level operational test, Flight Test, Operational-01 (FTO-01, FY13) were also analyzed during the year. These tests were in accordance with the MDA-generated and Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E)- approved Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP), version 13.1, and as subsequently modified.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA617330
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense