What is preventing the Pentagon from fielding emerging missile defence technologies?
SM3 Block IIA interceptor. (Photo: MDA)
Issues related to low budgets and the slow speed of development programmes are among the main obstacles the US DoD must overcome in respect to missile procurement and deployment.
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
-
![Could an outdated US Army organic industrial base threaten US readiness?]()
Could an outdated US Army organic industrial base threaten US readiness?
The US Army’s organic industrial base still uses World War II production methods and technologies, leading to delays and cost overruns and limiting its ability to produce critical ammunition and maintain its ground fleet in operation.
-
![Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?]()
Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
-
![Fourth company looks to Texelis Celeris chassis to develop a new 4x4 vehicle]()
Fourth company looks to Texelis Celeris chassis to develop a new 4x4 vehicle
Finnish company SCATA will use the Texelis Celeris chassis for a new vehicle similar to the Serval 4x4 which Texelis is building with KNDS France for the French Army.
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme]()
Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme
The move signals significant progress for the delayed Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme with first powerpack prototypes set to be tested before the end of the decade.
