Hypersonic Defense

PE 0604181C: Hypersonic Defense is a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) program element focused on developing advanced capabilities to counter hypersonic missile threats. The program's primary goal is to deliver a regional layered defense against hypersonic glide phase threats, leveraging existing systems such as the Aegis Weapon System and integrating new technologies. The budget request includes discretionary and mandatory funds, with the latter specifically allocated to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) and support a flight test. This funding increase is designed to accelerate delivery of the GPI capability from the mid-2030s to 2032, supporting the Golden Dome for America/Regional Defense initiative.

MD29: Hypersonic Defense is the core project within this program element, with objectives centered on the research, development, and testing of the Glide Phase Interceptor missile. The program aims to engage hypersonic threats during the glide phase of flight, which is a critical vulnerability window for such missiles. Major milestones include a Preliminary Design Review in FY 2028, a Kill Vehicle demonstration in 2029, and the delivery of tactical missiles in 2032. The program also involves cooperative development with Japan, reflecting international collaboration to address shared security concerns.

Key activities include systems engineering, architecture analysis, technology maturation, risk reduction, and integration of the GPI into the Golden Dome communications architecture.

Aegis Weapon System Upgrades are a significant part of the Hypersonic Defense strategy. These upgrades are intended to enable the Aegis system to plan, track, and conduct remote engagements against hypersonic threats. The effort includes developing weapon system code for flight experiments, refining engagement algorithms, and integrating the GPI missile into both ship-based and future non-ship platforms. The upgrades will extend the battlespace and complement existing Sea-Based Terminal capabilities, creating a more robust and flexible regional defense posture.

Disruptive Technology for Future Architecture is another focus area, involving the maturation of advanced seeker and propulsion technologies, as well as improvements in testing capabilities for relevant environments. The program invests in high-performance, on-demand, and relightable propulsion systems, and pursues advanced sensor concepts to enhance threat detection and tracking. These efforts are designed to ensure the Missile Defense System remains effective against evolving hypersonic and multi-mission threats.

Engineering Enablers support the alignment of system requirements, lethality range testing, material characterization, and modeling and simulation framework development. These activities ensure that technical specifications and performance criteria are met across all subsystems, and that the GPI missile is integrated effectively into the broader Missile Defense System. Partnerships with Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and industry are leveraged to maximize innovation and technical rigor.

MD40: Program Wide Support provides non-headquarters management costs and operational support for the MDA's functions across the entire Missile Defense System. This includes government civilian and contract support services, global deployment site preparation, facility capabilities, security, audit readiness, STEM programs, legal services, travel, training, and base operations. The allocation fluctuates annually based on the total agency budget and ensures the integrity, oversight, and operational readiness of all MDA activities, including those supporting hypersonic defense.