Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Failure?

Baker Spring / December 21, 2010

On December 15, the Missile Defense Agency conducted an unsuccessful test of Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD), a long-range ballistic missile defense system designed to protect the U.S. homeland against a missile threat from North Korea or Iran.

The initial review suggests that the failure occurred because an undetermined problem with the newest kill vehicle configuration. A more detailed review of why the GMD system failed to intercept and destroy the target has been initiated.

However, it is important to note that while the intercept itself was a failure, the first two stages of the interceptor performed extremely well. Indeed, the Sea-Based X-Band radar (SBX) and all sensors performed as planned. The SBX was a cause in the failure of a test conducted earlier this year.

The failure of this recent test does not mean that the United States is unable to develop or field capability that would protect it against a North Korean or Iranian long-range ballistic missile attack. The GMD system is very complex, and a network of sensors, command, control, and communications spans half the globe. It is appropriate to note that many of the critics of missile defense oppose the program because they view missile defense as complicating the arms control and disarmament agenda they support. (more…)