AEGIS BMD

The PE 0603892C: AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is a critical element of the U.S. Missile Defense System. Its primary goal is to deliver an enduring, operationally effective, and supportable ballistic missile defense capability to protect the United States, deployed forces, allies, and partners. The program leverages and evolves the U.S. Navy's Aegis Weapon System and Standard Missile (SM) infrastructure, providing a forward-deployable and mobile capability to detect, track, and intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles of all ranges. The FY 2026 budget request supports both discretionary and mandatory funding, with the latter focused on the initiation of the Golden Dome for America requirements, including SM-3 underlay design, Network Enabled Interceptor Capability, and software upgrades for expanded homeland defense.

The core development line supports systems engineering, integration, and technology insertion for the Aegis BMD capability. Objectives include developing and integrating new software baselines to enhance detection, tracking, and engagement of increasingly complex missile threats. The program also supports the integration of advanced radars and the development of the Aegis Weapon System software for the Defense of Guam, addressing advanced ballistic and hypersonic threats. Modeling and simulation efforts, verification and validation activities, and performance assessments are integral to ensuring system readiness and operational effectiveness.

Research, development, and integration efforts focus on the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) variants, including Block IB and Block IIA, into the Aegis Weapon System. The SM-3 Block IB improves discrimination and engagement of sophisticated ballistic missiles, while the Block IIA expands the engagement envelope to intermediate-range threats and supports the Golden Dome for America architecture. FY 2026 activities include software upgrades, hardware integration, and the development of new capabilities such as the Network Enabled Interceptor and Visible Sensor to enhance discrimination against advanced threats.

Cyber operations sustain the cybersecurity posture of the Aegis BMD program by supporting the Department of Defense Risk Management Framework (RMF) Certification and Accreditation process. This includes controls validation testing, risk assessments, and the development of hardware and software upgrades to address evolving cyber threats. The objective is to ensure the availability, integrity, and security of Aegis BMD mission and non-mission systems, including missile communication links and administrative systems, in compliance with federal cybersecurity mandates.

Development support provides the government, contractor, and Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) workforce necessary to manage, develop, build, and test the Aegis BMD program. This line item funds program operations, system engineering for fielded systems, fleet integration, and infrastructure upgrades. Activities include supporting annual integration events, modeling and simulation runs, hardware and software refreshes, and the development of training and operational support tools for fleet operators.

Program-wide support covers non-headquarters management costs and essential support services for the MDA's functions across the entire Missile Defense System. This includes government civilian and contract support, global deployment support, facility management, security, audit readiness, STEM programs, legal services, and compliance with statutory requirements. The objective is to maintain the integrity and oversight of the missile defense enterprise and provide the necessary infrastructure and support for the execution of the Aegis BMD program and related activities.