Although the end of the Cold War signaled a reduction in the likelihood of global nuclear conflict, the threat from ballistic missiles has grown steadily as sophisticated missile technology becomes available on a wider scale to countries hostile to the U.S. and its allies.

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the ballistic and cruise missiles that could deliver them, pose a direct and immediate threat to the security of the United States and its deployed military forces, allies, and friends. We have already witnessed the willingness of countries to use theater-class ballistic missiles for military purposes. Since 1980, ballistic missiles have been used in six regional conflicts. Ballistic missiles, including intercontinental and submarine launched ballistic missiles (ICBMs and SLBMs) exist in abundance around the world today.

The Airborne Laser System is designed to detect, track, target, and kill threatening missiles, whether they are short-, medium-, or long-range. The system is deployed on the front of a Boeing 747-400 freighter. (MDA photo)

The United States is fielding a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) to provide such protection. The BMDS is a collection of elements and components that are integrated to achieve the best possible performance against a full range of potential threats. Formerly, some of these elements were restricted to act as independent systems. Once the U.S. withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002, MDA was able to realize the benefits of integrating complementary, layered elements. The U.S. has fielded BMD assets to demonstrate missile defense technologies and provide limited defense against long-range ballistic missile attacks aimed at any of the 50 states.