Ballistic Missile Defense Midcourse Defense Segment

The Ballistic Missile Defense Midcourse Defense Segment is managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and focuses on research, development, test, and evaluation activities that support the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Weapon System. The goal of this program is to provide the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and other combatant commands with a continuously available homeland defense weapon system capable of countering ballistic missile threats during the midcourse phase of their trajectory. This program element addresses evolving national defense policy priorities, including integration of Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) and Next Generation Interceptors (NGIs), improvements in warfighter capabilities, and robust cyber defense measures.

Ground Based Midcourse is the largest line item within this program element, supporting the acquisition, development, demonstration, deployment, and sustainment of the GMD Weapon System. Objectives include maintaining and upgrading the existing fleet of GBIs, extending their service life, and executing repairs until they are retired or replaced by NGIs. The program also funds development of mixed-fleet operations, enabling seamless integration and operation of both legacy and next-generation interceptors. Key components include GMD Fire Control nodes, communications networks, data terminals, and ground support systems at strategic locations such as Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Operational reliability is ensured through continuous testing, analysis, and software/hardware upgrades.

Cyber Operations is dedicated to cybersecurity and cyber resiliency for all mission and mission support systems associated with the GMD. Objectives are to maintain network and system certification and accreditation, harden systems against cyber-attacks, and reduce vulnerabilities through developmental cyber testing and assessments. Efforts include annual cybersecurity reviews, Risk Management Framework compliance, cyber workforce training, and implementation of cyber resiliency requirements across all system components. The program supports cooperative vulnerability and adversarial assessments, software and hardware fixes, and operator training in cyber-contested environments to ensure continued authorization and secure operation of mission systems.

Program-Wide Support provides non-headquarters management costs and support services for MDA functions and activities across the Missile Defense System. This includes government civilian salaries, contract support services, facility operations, security, audit readiness, STEM programs, legal services, travel, training, and compliance with statutory environmental requirements. The objective is to ensure the integrity and oversight of the Missile Defense System, support global deployments, and maintain facilities and infrastructure necessary for program execution. Program-Wide Support is allocated on a pro-rata basis across multiple program elements and fluctuates annually based on the total agency budget.

The Ground Systems & Fire Control subprogram enables USNORTHCOM's command, control, and operations of the GMD Weapon System. It encompasses development and integration of fire control nodes, communications networks, data terminals, and launch support systems. Objectives include collecting and analyzing reliability and test data, implementing software and hardware updates, conducting design trade studies, and supporting milestone technical reviews. Recent efforts focus on integrating NGI designs, maturing interface designs, and upgrading phased array data terminals for enhanced communication and situational awareness.

Element Engineering consolidates systems engineering, product engineering, and technical direction agent functions to support development, fielding, and sustainment of the integrated weapon system. Objectives include architecture analysis, performance modeling, simulation, risk management, independent verification and validation, and technical integration. The technical direction agent provides unbiased technical advice and recommendations, supports risk mitigation, and conducts special studies to address emerging technical challenges. This line item ensures that engineering processes and products meet evolving threat requirements and support future capability deliveries.

Interceptor Fleet Management is a newly established line item consolidating previous efforts related to GBI service life extension and maintenance. Objectives are to sustain a minimal workforce and infrastructure, maintain the operational fleet, execute service life extensions, and perform repairs until GBIs are retired or replaced by NGIs. The program conducts reliability testing, analyzes aging characteristics, and manages logistics and emplacement activities to ensure fleet viability. This approach is intended to yield efficiencies and cost savings while supporting the continued readiness of the homeland missile defense capability.