What is preventing the Pentagon from fielding emerging missile defence technologies?
SM3 Block IIA interceptor. (Photo: MDA)
The US will likely face multiple obstacles in improvement its missile defence architecture. Despite the White House ordering the fast development and implementation of next-generation solutions, the slow progress in the main acquisition programmes, integration issues across the services and low budgets remain critical problems to be addressed.
From a procurement perspective, although the current US terrestrial- and space-based sensor inventory is insufficient to identify and track certain types of aerial attacks, such as hypersonics, the field of new solutions has not been keeping pace with the proliferation of threats.
Several efforts in the missile defence domain have recorded
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
New version of Altay tank to be delivered “soon” with Turkish engine for later iterations
The first of the Altay T1 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) will have a South Korean power pack while later Atlay T2s will be fitted with the locally made BMC BATU engine.
-
Lockheed Martin wins deals for missiles and systems worth $5 billion
There continues to be an insatiable desire for air-defence and air-launched missiles and systems in the US and worldwide. Lockheed Martin’s latest deals reinforce the demand and highlight the supply chain challenge for manufacturing solid rocket motors.
-
Bahrain approved for $500 million HIMARS order as production surges
Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is being widely ordered and deployed. The company has been working to ramp up production while continuing work to design and produce more potent missiles.
-
Kongsberg Defence Australia cashes in with government support for exports
Kongsberg Defence Australia is building on the supply of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) systems to Australia to win exports with the support of the government through its Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise and Global Supply Chain Program.
-
Mack Defense receives new contract as push to refresh trucks continues
Mack Defense’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) builds on a commercial vehicle but comes off a dedicated production line. The deal follows previous orders, including orders for Oshkosh’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, along with other logistics and forward-deployed trucks worldwide.