“I predict that what you're going to see is something that is far more… limited, both in terms of the number of threats that are feasibly able to be stopped, and also in terms of the area that [can be] defended against,” said Tom Karako with CSIS.
In addition to the official notice for the next leader of the Marine Corps are nominations for the Missile Defense Agency, US Cyber Command, the DIA and others.
The network transport architecture for NGC2 could be a hybrid approach that combines high assurance communications with 5G, WiFi, and multi-orbit satellites.
“[It] is an incremental path. There is no end state,” according to MDA chief Vice Adm. Jon Hill, who noted the military would "beautify" incoming platforms to make them more palatable to locals.
An official with knowledge of the program said there have been “no decisions” made on the Next Generation Interceptor program, which is awaiting the approval and award of two development contracts.
There have been questions about the Biden Administration's missile defense plan; some of those may be answered in coming weeks
Smart tools and emerging technologies can deliver the Next-Gen Interceptor more affordably and faster than any other missile defense system.
The GPS network continues to prove its unmatched reliability, and it’s only getting stronger.
To return GMD to a true deterrent, MDA must choose a partner with a track record of delivering across complex never fail missions. The nation deserves a partner who can leverage hit to kill technology, space programs, and strategic ballistic missiles capabilities and use them to modernize our missile defense in the face of an ever-persistent threat.
A layered approach comprised of NGI, Aegis BMD and THAAD could be available in the mid to late-2020s, which strengthens our defense against a rogue state missile attack.
"We'll take anybody's sensors," MDA's John Bier said, "as long as it contributes to the missile warning, missile defense and space domain environment."
After a failed attempt to replace the current missile killers, the Pentagon wants to hurry and get the new technology online.
Knowing when to build on commercial systems and when to develop something new can be the difference between parity and information dominance.
"That requires a little more time and effort for coordination and approval," within DoD and with Congress, says Lt. Gen. David Thompson.
While Army and Navy spending nearly double, Air Force and independent agency spending drops almost 40 percent.
"If they tried that, I'd expect to see a bipartisan display of pitchforks on Capitol Hill, and the likeness of certain DoD officials burned in effigy," said one expert of any move to disband MDA.
"I like Dr. Griffin, but he should have come back to us and talked to us before he made that decision," complained Rep. Mike Rogers about funds for space-base sensors shifting to SDA.