Ballistic Missile Defense Targets

The Ballistic Missile Defense Targets program, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) under Program Element (PE) 0603915C, is a critical component of the Department of Defense's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) portfolio. Its primary goal is to develop, procure, and sustain a reliable inventory of threat-representative ballistic missile targets and countermeasures for operationally realistic testing of the Missile Defense System (MDS). The program supports the demonstration, verification, and validation of missile defense capabilities against current and emerging threats, including short-, medium-, intermediate-, and intercontinental-range ballistic missiles. The budget request combines discretionary and mandatory funds to initiate target enhancements and procure long-lead hardware.

MC05: Cyber Operations is a supporting line item focused on maintaining robust cybersecurity compliance for MDA Targets and Countermeasures information systems. Its objectives include sustaining the Risk Management Framework (RMF) standards, conducting Computer Network Defense (CND) activities, and performing Controls Validation Testing (CVT). The program ensures the integrity and accreditation of MDA TC systems by capturing RMF documentation, monitoring Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and validating compliance through independent testing. These activities are essential for meeting Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), DoD, and MDA cybersecurity requirements, with funding supporting increased cyber management and information technology investments.

MT05: BMDS Targets Program is the core element responsible for the development and acquisition of five types of targets across four missile classes: SRBM, MRBM, IRBM, and ICBM. The program's objectives include engineering, manufacturing, qualification, and integration of targets and countermeasures, such as Modified Ballistic Re-Entry Vehicles (MBRV) and advanced front-end configurations. It also provides digital models for simulation, maintains and refurbishes government-furnished equipment, and supports flight test execution. The program adapts to evolving threat intelligence and test requirements, ensuring flexibility in contract execution and alignment with the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP). Major accomplishments planned include manufacturing and qualifying new SRBM and MRBM ship sets, advancing hypersonic target vehicle development, and supporting Next Generation Interceptor testing.

Within MT05, specific sub-elements address the full lifecycle of target development. Consumables covers hardware development and manufacturing for each missile class, including recurring engineering, qualification, and integration activities. Planned activities include completing SRBM T4-G and Black Dagger ship sets, advancing MRBM T5 advanced targets, and continuing IRBM and ICBM re-entry vehicle development. Program Planning & Operations ensures effective program management, technical oversight, and compliance, while Resources supports systems engineering, logistics, and modeling and simulation efforts. Flight Test Execution coordinates launch operations, mission planning, and range integration for test events supporting THAAD, Aegis BMD, and other missile defense systems.

MD40: Program Wide Support provides non-headquarters management and operational support across the entire Missile Defense System. This includes funding for government civilians, contract support services, physical and technical security, audit readiness, STEM programs, legal services, travel, training, facility leases, utilities, and base operations. It also covers compliance with statutory environmental requirements, data and communications support, materiel management, and facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization. The allocation of Program Wide Support fluctuates annually based on the total agency budget and is distributed pro-rata across multiple program elements.

The acquisition strategy for all components of PE 0603915C emphasizes competitive contracting, leveraging existing capabilities and infrastructure, and sustaining the industrial base for target delivery. The program seeks to balance cost, schedule, performance, and risk, with a focus on affordability and rapid response to evolving threats. Recent congressional adds have supported initiatives such as low-cost hypersonic flight test beds, advanced reactive target simulations, and leveraging commercial launch capabilities. Collaboration with other government agencies, federally funded research centers, and industry partners is central to meeting technical requirements and maintaining readiness for future test events.