Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD)

Abstract

The 2006 summer conflict between Israel and Hezbollah underscored the strategic effect of short-range, inexpensive ballistic missiles attacks on civilian populations. The current Israeli Missile Defense Architecture (comprised of PATRIOT and Arrow) has capability against some of these short-range missile threats, but does not provide a cost-effective defense. The goal of the Israeli SRBMD program is to provide an affordable defense capability. In March 2005, the U.S. and Israel initiated a joint 18-month feasibility study of a low-cost SRBMD capability as a compliment to the Arrow Weapon System. This was followed in May 2006 by Israeli`s down selection to the David`s Sling Weapon System (DSWS) for their SRBMD solution. While currently there is no U.S. requirement for a SRBMD system, MDA is providing input and guidance regarding specifications and development decisions to ensure the system could be suitable for potential future U.S. needs and interoperable with the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The system is to be developed in development blocks with the initial block providing a baseline capability against long range rockets and short range ballistic missiles. Under the U.S.-Israeli Project Agreement signed in September 2008, the project is jointly managed by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the Israeli Missile Defense Organization. The agreement documents the U.S.-Israeli cost share, in which the development costs are equitable between the U.S. and Israel with Israel providing matching funds. However a portion of the Israeli cost share is from non-financial contributions such as background information and facilities. NOTE: Planned Program assumes matching funds from Israel per our international agreements.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
MD34_0603913C_4_0400_PB_2011

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Missile Defense Systems.

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