Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) is a field activity of the Naval Sea System Command, as well as the Navy element of the overall Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency (MDA) program; serving as the Navy’s sole point of contact for all BMD efforts. Because of this organizational relationship, Rear Admiral Alan B. Hicks wears two hats: Commander, Aegis BMD Field Activity and Program Director, Aegis BMD.

Aegis BMD builds upon capabilities inherent in the Aegis Weapon System, Standard Missile and Navy Command and Control systems. Aegis BMD provides an engagement capability against short to intermediate range, unitary and separating ballistic missiles in the midcourse phase of flight. The Aegis BMD Weapon System integrates the planning, detection, control, engagement and damage assessment functionalities of ballistic missile engagement into the Aegis Weapon System, thereby expanding the multi-mission role of Aegis BMD upgraded ships. Aegis BMD ships, manned by Officers and Sailors, are engaged in a series of intercept firings to validate the operational capability of Aegis BMD against an increasingly complex set of targets and scenarios.

Aegis BMD includes the Long Range Surveillance and Track capability. Aegis BMD modified ships search, detect and track ballistic missiles of all ranges – including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and transmit the track data to the BMDS. These tracking data cue other BMDS sensors as well as support the fire control process of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. During the July 2006 North Korean crisis, Aegis BMD LRS&T Destroyers patrolled the Sea of Japan to provide to the BMDS early warning of several ballistic missile launches.

Deployment
The Missile Defense Agency and the Navy are altering 18 Aegis combatants to conduct ballistic missile defense operations. Presently, seven warships are equipped and trained to track and destroy ballistic missiles in a multi-mission (e.g. AAW, Strike) environment; another nine warships are equipped and trained to track ballistic missiles in support of other elements of the BMDS. At the end of 2009, all 18 ships will have the ability to destroy ballistic missiles and conduct long range surveillance and track tasks in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense System.

Flight Testing toSupport Transition
Throughout 2006 - 2008, Aegis BMD is conducting a series of flight tests, FTM-10 through FTM-14, with the Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR), the Navy’s independent operational test agent. This series of flights will support the decision to transition into active service the operational Aegis BMD combat system in 2008.

Future Capabilities
The Navy, MDA and Aegis BMD have successfully demonstrated a capability to defeat short to medium range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight. Development, integration and testing is in progress with a deployment of the first Near Term Sea-based Terminal capability in FY 2009.

Aegis BMD will upgrade and improve midcourse discrimination and firepower with the development and deployment of the Aegis BMD 4.0.1 Weapon System (including the Aegis BMD Signal Processor) and the SM-3 Block IB missile in 2010.

The Navy and Aegis BMD are engaged in a joint effort to integrate the Aegis BMD capability with the Aegis Modernization Program’s Open Architecture (OA) infrastructure. Completion is anticipated in 2012. The Aegis OA program is key to expanding the Aegis BMD capability to the entire fleet of Aegis ships, a planned total of 84. Open Architecture and DDG Modernization will also provide the foundation for implementing Aegis BMD in 80 allied Navy ships.

The SM-3 Cooperative Development Program focuses on joint U.S. and Japan development of a 21 inch diameter variant of the SM-3 missile, designated as SM-3 Block IIA. Delivery is scheduled for 2015. This missile and the Aegis BMD 5.1 Weapon System provide the capability to engage ICBMs.

International Efforts
Aegis BMD is experiencing an increased international interest in missile defense. Activities include joint studies, research and development, as well as foreign military sales and allied participation in Aegis BMD flight tests.