BMD Enabling Programs

The BMD Enabling Programs line item, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is a comprehensive research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative designed to integrate and enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Missile Defense System. The program's overarching goal is to combine element missile defense capabilities into a single, integrated, and layered system to counter both existing and emerging missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. The budget request supports the initiation of the Golden Dome for America requirements, specialized integrated architecture, modeling and simulation, and the establishment of a National Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Center.

System Engineering & Integration is the largest subprogram. Its objectives are to define, design, test, and integrate the Missile Defense System, providing system-level engineering and decision support to stakeholders such as the National Command Authority, Joint Staff, Combatant Commanders, and Allies. Key goals include planning and developing a layered defense architecture, maintaining the Capability Gap Tracker, analyzing future concepts, and integrating Joint IAMD systems. The program also supports the development of integrated element capabilities, system-level verification and assessment, and ensures interoperability with NATO and other theater systems.

Homeland Cruise Missile Defense Architecture received funding in prior years to develop and demonstrate the Joint Tactical Integrated Fire Control (JTIFC) capability, supporting U.S. Northern Command requirements for cruise missile defense of the homeland. The effort focused on systems engineering, software modifications, and integration of joint sensors and shooters into a fire control network, culminating in a demonstration and analysis completed in FY 2024. No new funding is requested for FY 2025 or FY 2026, as the demonstration phase has concluded.

Enabling Test supports Missile Defense System test planning, execution, and post-test analysis. This subprogram ensures that system tests collect essential data and confirm proper operation, anchoring models and simulations for performance characterization. It includes test architecture design, target requirement definition, collaboration with Service Operational Test Agencies, and management of the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP). The program also develops and maintains modeling and simulation tools and frameworks required for ground and flight tests, enabling comprehensive system assessments.

Intelligence & Security provides multi-disciplinary intelligence, security, and engineering support for missile defense acquisition, development, testing, and deployment. Major objectives include ensuring the Intelligence Community fulfills MDA's requirements, integrating counterintelligence resources, overseeing program protection, and producing threat definitions and model packages. The program also manages physical security, declassification reviews, and the development of adversary data packages, supporting the protection of personnel, technology, and critical information from espionage and terrorism.

BMD Information Management Systems focuses on sustaining and modernizing the IT infrastructure critical to MDA operations. This includes end-user support, special purpose processing nodes, IT planning and solutions, unified communications, portal and data services, and business automation. The program supports compliance with DoD policies, technical refresh of aging equipment, and the integration of advanced technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance data management and operational efficiency.

Other notable subprograms include Cyber Operations, which focuses on cybersecurity risk management, intrusion detection, and continuous monitoring; Modeling & Simulation, which develops and accredits models for system assessment and training; Engineering Cyber Operations, which implements cybersecurity engineering principles and supply chain risk management; Quality, Safety, and Mission Assurance, which ensures reliable, safe, and effective system design and operation; and Program-Wide Support, which covers non-headquarters management costs, global deployments, facilities, and other agency-wide support functions. Collectively, these programs provide the technical, operational, and security foundation necessary for the Missile Defense Agency to deliver next-generation missile defenses and maintain system integrity against evolving threats.