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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain
Despite political and economic headwinds, companies are positioning themselves for current and upcoming Malaysian Army requirements. Shephard spoke with some of them at DSA 2026.
-
India’s high-altitude logistics drone push drives demand as BonV Aero launches Air Orca
The Indian Army's major drone procurement programme has drawn attention from BonV Aero which has launched its heavy-lift platform for extreme terrain missions.
-
SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability
The company's Multi Canister Launcher can deploy its Viper system from multiple military platforms, boosting operational flexibility.
-
April land forces roundup: Munitions and long-range fires drive procurement momentum
The demand for long-range fires continues alongside the drive to increase artillery shell manufacture and the procurement of new artillery weapons.
-
Is the RCH 155 self-propelled wheeled howitzer for the British Army finally on the way?
The Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm self-propelled gun is making strong progress, with contracts being placed and production capacity being boosted for the base Boxer vehicle.