From rigorous flight tests to massive new infrastructure construction at Fort Greely, Alaska, the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program is rapidly taking shape.

When completed, the GMD will become part of a comprehensive, multi-layered defense system that will protect the United States, its friends and its allies from an intercontinental ballistic missile attack. Missile Defense Systems, part of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, is the prime integrator for the near-term GMD program and the Airborne Laser, which will use a high-energy laser to intercept missiles in the boost phase. Boeing also provides key components to terminal systems such as the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), which is being deployed, and is a major partner on the Sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense.

In the past two years, significant progress has been made in the design and development of the integrated defense system, but there’s still work to be done, said Jim Evatt, senior vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems.

“Boeing’s ability to bring the best of industry together to solve the most challenging technological problems has resulted in phenomenal success in all areas of missile defense,” Evatt said. “However, significant challenges lie ahead. And while the challenges facing missile defense are unprecedented, they are not insurmountable.”

In addition to its prime contractor role on GMD, Boeing plays a leading role on the Missile Defense Agency’s National Industry Team, which is developing the global architecture for missile defense. With its customers, Boeing is helping lay the foundation for near-term capabilities and future defensive layers, Evatt said.

“Missile Defense Systems provides integrated solutions for all phases of ballistic missile threats - boost, midcourse and terminal,” he said. “From deployed systems that are already saving lives everyday to those under development that will provide a greater level of security tomorrow, these programs have proven value to our homeland, our armed forces overseas, our friends and allies.”

In addition to its domestic roles, Boeing has partnered with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to emphasize international participation in global missile defense. As a result, several international agreements have been signed. Israeli Aircraft Industries recently awarded a contract to produce Arrow II interceptor components. The Arrow system protects Israel from short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.
RTI-Systems Concern, a premier radar developer in Russia, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to define possible areas for future scientific and technological cooperation in the ballistic missile defense arena.

“The signing of this MoU is an outgrowth of the statements by Presidents Bush and Putin and is one more positive demonstration of the changed relationship between our countries,” Evatt said. “RTI Systems is recognized for its technological expertise and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Boeing has signed memoranda with industry leaders in Britain, France, Italy, Canada, Turkey, and Poland for potential future cooperation on missile defense.

“Prospects for a global defense program have never been better,” Evatt said. “The Bush administration policy is not just directed at the United States, but also at friends and allies. And the international response has been overwhelming.”

Boeing is well positioned to partner with its domestic and international partners to pursue new technologies and achieve the right mix of critical near-term capabilities.

“Given the nature of ballistic missile threats that we and our allies face, a global networked missile defense system is clearly a capability that will strengthen deterrence,” Evatt said. “Our ability to network a variety of layered defenses—interceptors, sensors and battle management systems—is being proven in the test programs underway. Whether a threat is of an intercontinental or regional nature, our systems will be able to pass the information to defeat such missile threats.”