Ballistic Missile Defense Test

PE 0603914C: Ballistic Missile Defense Test is a program element managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) under the Department of Defense's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Defense-Wide appropriation. The primary goal of this program is to provide a disciplined, systems engineering-driven approach to testing and validating the layered Missile Defense System (MDS) against ballistic, hypersonic, cruise, and other advanced missile threats. The program is structured to ensure that MDS capabilities are rigorously verified through flight, ground, and cyber testing, with results feeding back into system design and improvement cycles. The budget request for FY 2026 combines discretionary and mandatory funds to support test enhancements and infrastructure recapitalization, including projects such as Pacific Collector/Pacific Tracker.

The largest line item within this element focuses on planning, executing, and analyzing flight and ground tests for the entire missile defense portfolio. Objectives include maintaining a skilled civilian workforce, developing and implementing test policy and standards, and serving as the central test authority for MDA. The program works closely with agencies such as DOT&E, DTE&A, JFCC IMD, JITC, and Service Operational Test Agencies to ensure test objectives are aligned with warfighter and national security needs. Key activities for FY 2026 include the initiation of Ground Test Modernization, expansion of virtualized test environments, and significant upgrades to test infrastructure, including range facilities, mobile instrumentation, airborne sensors, and communications networks.

Flight Test and Ground Test activities are central to the program. Flight Test activities involve the integration, management, and execution of missile flight tests using certified personnel and standardized processes. These tests are designed to validate system performance and readiness for fielding to combatant commanders. Ground Test activities focus on hardware-in-the-loop labs, communications, and cyber assessments to support risk reduction and system integration. FY 2026 sees a shift in emphasis toward ground testing, with increased funding for infrastructure and modernization to support evolving threats and test requirements.

Test Infrastructure encompasses the procurement, maintenance, and modernization of facilities, instrumentation, and data management systems necessary for robust test execution. This includes upgrades to flight test ranges, sustainment of sea-based instrumentation ships, modernization of transportable radars, and enhancement of airborne sensor capabilities. The program also manages communications networks, data acquisition, and centralized archival systems to ensure test data is securely collected, distributed, and analyzed. FY 2026 funding supports outfitting new ground test facilities and continued restoration and modernization of existing infrastructure to meet mission requirements.

Cyber Operations supports the certification and accreditation of all MDA Test Directorate information systems and networks. The objective is to ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity standards, maintain the integrity and confidentiality of test and administrative data, and manage cyber risk across all test environments. Activities include oversight of cyber compliance, incident management, and secure configuration of systems, as well as preparation of accreditation documentation and recommendations. The program leverages expertise from government, Federally Funded Research & Development Centers, University Affiliated Research Centers, and industry partners. FY 2026 funding reflects a decrease due to reduced network certification and accreditation requirements.

Program Wide Support provides non-headquarters management costs and support services across the entire Missile Defense System. This includes government civilian and contractor support, global deployment site preparation, facility management, security, audit readiness, STEM initiatives, legal services, travel, training, and compliance with statutory requirements. The Facilities Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM) program ensures that MDA's inventory of facilities remains in good working order. Program Wide Support is allocated on a pro-rata basis across agency program elements and fluctuates annually based on the total agency budget.