Land-Based SM-3 (LBSM3)

The Land Based SM-3 (LBSM3) program, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is focused on developing, testing, and sustaining the Aegis Ashore capability as part of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The program's primary objective is to provide regional missile defense for U.S. deployed forces, allies, and partners, particularly in Europe, under the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA). The LBSM3 program supports the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of land-based Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) systems, with a significant emphasis on the Aegis Ashore installations in Romania and Poland.

MD68: Aegis Ashore is the central line item within the LBSM3 program, accounting for the majority of the funding. Its specific goals include the operation and modernization of the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex (AAMDTC) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii. The AAMDTC is used for ground testing, software and hardware development, and proof-of-concept demonstrations for both shore-based and sea-based Aegis capabilities.

Key objectives for FY 2026 include updating the Navigation Sensor System Interface to a GPS-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Service (GPNTS) and upgrading the Joint Tactical Terminal to the Maritime Evolved version (JTT-ME). These upgrades are intended to ensure the test complex remains current and fully supports evolving warfighter needs.

The Aegis Ashore project also encompasses system engineering, technical, and logistics support to maintain system readiness and effectiveness. The MDA collaborates with multiple government agencies, including the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, to provide engineering, logistics, utilities, and subject matter expertise.

Additionally, site activation and sustainment for the Poland and Romania installations involve coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies to manage base operations, utilities, and security.

MC68: Cyber Operations is another critical component of the LBSM3 program, with objectives centered on cybersecurity for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) mission systems. The program sustains Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Program (DIACAP) activities, conducts Controls Validation Testing (CVT), and performs risk assessments to ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements. Planned efforts include continuous monitoring, regular risk assessments, and the implementation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for Aegis BMD systems.

The increase in funding from FY 2025 to FY 2026 reflects additional requirements to address cybersecurity risks and modernization at the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex. The Cyber Operations line item also supports the development and maintenance of accreditation documentation, independent verification and validation, and daily management of cybersecurity systems through the Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Services (eMass) system.

The acquisition strategy relies on Statements of Work with the Naval Information Warfare Command Pacific and Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia to implement best practices, install patches, upgrade software, and conduct cyber testing and analysis.

MD40: Program-Wide Support provides non-headquarters management and support costs for the entire Missile Defense System, including the LBSM3 program. This line funds government civilians, contract support services, physical and technical security, audit readiness, STEM programs, legal services, travel, training, and facilities management. It also covers global deployment support, environmental compliance, and facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization. The allocation for Program-Wide Support fluctuates annually based on the total agency budget and is distributed pro-rata across multiple program elements.