US Missile Defense Boost: New Interceptors, Radars, and Hypersonic Shields
This Act significantly enhances national security by modernizing and expanding missile defense systems against ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic threats. Citizens benefit from increased protection through massive investments in new technologies, early warning radars, and the construction of additional defense bases in Alaska and the East Coast. The legislation authorizes over $19.5 billion for fiscal year 2026 to fund these critical defense upgrades.
Key points
Defense Expansion: Mandates the expansion of Next Generation Interceptor production and silo construction at Fort Greely, Alaska, aiming for a minimum of 80 interceptors by January 1, 2038.
New Radar Systems: Requires plans for new early warning radar systems, including those facing the Southern Hemisphere and the construction of Aegis Ashore systems on the East Coast and in Alaska.
Technology Acceleration: Accelerates the development and deployment of defenses against hypersonic missiles (Glide Phase Interceptor) and autonomous agents to counter cruise missiles and drones.
Management Shift: Requires a plan to transfer missile defense operations and sustainment from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to military departments, allowing MDA to focus solely on research and development.
Construction Expediting: Grants the Secretary of Defense authority to waive regulations, including environmental ones, to expedite construction and modernization of critical missile defense infrastructure.
Introduced
Citizen Poll