The Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS)

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is responsible for the Ballistic Missile Defense
System of the United States.

The MDA's mission is to develop and deploy a layered Missile Defense System
to defend the United States, deployed forces, allies, and friends from missile
attacks in all phases of flight.

All MDA stations are manned by military personnel.

For an overview of the Ballistic Missile Defense System, read the following PDF files:

SM-3 Block 1B Interceptor

The SM-3 Block IB Interceptor has an enhanced two-color infrared seeker, upgraded
steering and propulsion capability that uses short bursts of precision propulsion to
direct the kinetic missile toward incoming targets. It became operational in 2014,
deploying for the first time on U.S. Navy ships worldwide. It is used to defeat
short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats above the atmosphere.

SM-3 Block IIA Interceptor

In cooperation with Japan, Raytheon Missiles & Defense has developed the next-generation
SM-3 Block IIA interceptor. It has two new distinct features:

* larger rocket motors that will allow it to defend broader areas from ballistic missile threats
* a larger enhanced kinetic warhead with improved search, discrimination, acquisition and
tracking capabilities

This more advanced version of the SM-3 interceptor has been developed and is
being deployed in Poland under AEGIS Ashore.

SM-2 Block IV and SM-6 Dual I/II

They are used to defeat short-range ballistic missiles inside the atmosphere, and the
SM-6 has both long range AAW and ASuW capabilities.

Future Capabilities

* engagement of longer-range ballistic missiles
* improving existing early intercept capability
* enhanced terminal capability against short and medium-range ballistic missiles
* increased engagement capability in a raid scenario
* more maritime ally involvement

The AEGIS BMD Fact Sheet offers only a brief description of the Navy's AEGIS
Combat System. A more detailed description is given on the Weapon
Systems page.