Ballistic Missile Defense Sensor Test

The Ballistic Missile Defense Sensor Test program, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is a critical element within the Department of Defense's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. The primary objective of this program is to plan, execute, and analyze both flight and ground tests for the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) sensor elements. These activities are designed to demonstrate and validate the operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of missile defense sensor technologies. This ensures that capabilities delivered to the warfighter are robust and meet evolving threat requirements.

MT11: BMDS Radars Test is the largest component of this program element, focusing on the comprehensive testing of BMDS radar systems. This includes the planning and execution of flight test events, pre- and post-test ground testing such as Digital and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) System Pre-Mission Tests, and System Federation Validation Events. The objective is to support the integration of radar improvements, discrimination enhancements, and operational test and evaluation of both theater/regional and strategic missile defense architectures. The program also funds the necessary test infrastructure, including HWIL laboratories and Mission Operation/Support Centers, to ensure the continuous capability to conduct these tests.

Within the BMDS Radars Test line, two major activities are emphasized: Test Resources and Flight Test Execution. Test Resources efforts involve the configuration and maintenance of sensor HWILs for ground and flight test execution, technical oversight of system-level activities, and integration of evolving simulation frameworks. The goal is to maintain and upgrade the test infrastructure to support system-level ground tests as outlined in the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP).

Flight Test Execution covers the full spectrum of test planning, analysis, transportation, and execution for sensor participation in BMDS flight tests. This ensures that sensors are validated in realistic operational scenarios.

The program's funding profile reflects adjustments based on the IMTP and the completion of specific test requirements, such as those associated with the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI). A decrease in FY 2026 funding is attributed to the completion of the FEM-02 IMTP requirement and a realignment to higher agency test priorities. This approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently in response to the evolving test schedule and agency priorities.

MD40: Program Wide Support is another important line item within this program element, providing non-headquarters management and operational support for MDA activities across the entire missile defense enterprise. This includes funding for government civilians, contract support services, deployment site preparation, facility operations, physical and technical security, audit readiness, STEM initiatives, legal services, travel, training, and compliance with statutory requirements. The objective is to ensure the integrity, oversight, and operational readiness of the Missile Defense System by supporting both personnel and infrastructure needs globally.

The Program Wide Support line is allocated on a pro-rata basis across multiple MDA program elements and fluctuates annually based on the total agency budget. Its funding supports a wide range of operational and administrative activities, such as facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization (FSRM), unified communications, property management, and environmental compliance. This ensures that the MDA can maintain its global operations and respond effectively to changing mission requirements.