Advanced Technology Development

The threat is evolving and becoming more complex, which introduces new challenges for missile defense. Some of these complex challenges include the volume of threats, system performance in raids, latency across the kill chain, communication between disparate systems, performance in a contested environment and cybersecurity of networks/systems. These challenges to missile defense require more disruptive capabilities like the following: - Kinetic & hypersonic defense in the areas of advanced sensing and low-cost systems. - Non-kinetics and electronic warfare. - Next generation command, control & integration. - Disruptive technology and space demonstrations. - NIC. - Cyber Protection / Information Assurance. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Advanced Capability Office provides enhancements to the missile defense system by focusing on accelerated delivery of disruptive capabilities to the warfighter by pursuing rapid prototypes and demonstrations with incremental capability deliveries. The activities utilize two/three-year technology sprints and lean project teams to support rapid development and transition to the Warfighter for evolving regional and homeland missile threats. The funds requested in this PE provide both legacy and Global Missile Defense Capability development for the United States, its deployed forces, allies, and partners. The capabilities funded by this budget request are complementary to the architecture funded by the Golden Dome Program's separate budget request and together fulfill the President's Executive Order 14186. The President's January 27, 2025, Executive Order established a goal of protecting the U.S. citizens, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and securing second-strike capability against missile attack from any adversary. This program and budget in addition to the budget requested by the Golden Dome Program Office reflects the changes necessary to protect the U.S. against ballistic, hypersonic, cruise, and other advanced missile threats.