AN/SPY-1 radar to improve discrimination for engaging both unitary and separating

targets. We will assess GMD integration with the BMDS Interceptor and also test the interceptor on board an Aegis warship.

Terminal Elements. We will complete the development and testing of the

THAAD weapon system. We are planning up to eight developmental and operational

type flight tests to stress interceptor, radar, and C2BM performance in realistic scenarios that include advanced countermeasures.

Sensors. Our work will build on the initial BMDS Radar configuration and conduct sensor research to improve capabilities and develop advanced algorithms. We will improve Family of Radar coverage, performance, and flexibility and address vulnerability within the context of the overall BMD system global sensor network. STSS operations will continue to be integrated with other BMD elements in the Test Bed and support enhanced C2BM development initiatives. STSS will demonstrate the ability to acquire, track, and discriminate midcourse objects with space-based infrared sensors.

Block 2010

Work in this block will continue spiral development projects for weapon and sensor improvements and platform integration. C2BM and communications

improvements will enable highly resolved sensor data to be exchanged with all BMD

system elements.

We are requesting $24 million in FY 2004 to support RDT&E for Block 2010.

Our estimated expenditure for Block 2010 activities across the FYDP is $4.7 billion (see

Boost Elements. Block 2010 activities will improve exo-atmospheric BMDS

Interceptor performance and enable greater basing mode flexibility, to include possible

adaptation to sea-based platforms. We will develop and test an advanced space-based test bed to augment or replace the Block 2008 space-based test bed.

Midcourse Elements. We will continue flight-testing improved weapon and

sensor components and work toward the integration of an advanced BMDS Interceptor. Aegis BMD will incorporate prior block developments into the Navy-developed nextgeneration, open architecture Combat System.

Terminal Elements. THAAD will integrate proven technologies to enhance its capability against longer range and faster ballistic missiles without sacrificing existing mobility and performance. Fielding and survivability upgrades also are planned to demonstrate a capability against both IRBM and ICBM threats.

Sensors. New technologies will be inserted into subsequent STSS blocks to

provide precise threat tracking and improved discrimination. We will develop and launch

Mission Area Investments

Our Mission Area Investments are investments common to the entire BMD system that enable us to implement over time our block fielding approach. Mission Area Investments maintain core development and testing infrastructure and facilitate the integration of future block capabilities. The President's Budget requests $1.69 billion in FY 2004 for these investments. This program activity accounts for about $11.3 billion, or just over 20% of the total funding estimate across the FYDP. Table 5 provides a

detailed breakdown of funding for each investment activity.

System
Engineering

C2, BM &

Communications

Test & Targets

International

Programs

Advanced

Concepts

Program

Operations

TOTAL

The significant Mission Area Investments are as follows:

System Engineering

The System Engineering activity defines, manages, and integrates the layered BMD system. Capability-based acquisition requires continual assessment of technical and operational alternatives at the component, element, and system levels. Our system engineering process assesses and determines system design and element contributions and the impact of introducing new technologies and operational concepts to ensure properly synthesized system blocks. These activities provide the technical expertise, tools, and facilities to develop the BMD system and maintain an intelligence and research capability to ensure that the system evolves in a way that is responsive to known and anticipated threats.

We are increasing our focus on risks related to producibility, manufacturing, quality, cost, and schedule of the BMD system elements. We dedicate resources to examine the applicability of technology to system needs and transition readiness. Industrial and manufacturing investment strategies for achieving system affordability and facilitating insertion of successive new capabilities are increasingly vital to the program.

Command and Control, Battle Management & Communications (C2BMC) Our activities related to C2BMC create interoperability among a wide variety of legacy systems and emerging elements over joint and coalition networks. The C2BMC activity will continue development and integration of the C2BM and communications functions for the BMD system. By fielding software development spirals that improve

system synergism, integration capability, and interoperability with external systems, this activity expands the inherent C2BM capabilities of fielded terminal, midcourse, and boost defenses. Communications funding will develop and improve BMD system-wide communication links and sensor netting functions to enable enhanced early warning and quicker interceptor response times. The Joint National Integration Center (JNIC) provides a common environment for the BMD elements to conduct experiments, demonstrations, and exercises and is a key-operating C2BM component of the Test Bed.

BMD Tests & Targets

The missile defense program includes significant test and evaluation

infrastructure, test execution capabilities, and analytical tools for program-wide use. The Agency conducts risk reduction, developmental, and operational element and component testing as well as tests to collect critical measurements, such as plume signatures. We also have a rigorous measurements test program to collect data in support of design, development, and engineering activities. Measurements from dedicated test events and targets of opportunity enable us to design components, characterize potential countermeasures, test algorithms, undertake lethality and kill assessment, and validate our critical models and simulations.

Investments providing ballistic missile targets, countermeasures, and other

payloads support our test objectives. Presentation of the targets and payloads for flight

test events involves designing, prototyping, developing, procuring, certifying, and