(U) Navy Area Defense

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The Navy Area Defense program focuses on modifying the AEGIS combat system fitted on CG-47 cruisers and DDG-51 destroyers to extend the anti-air warfare capability to enable detection, tracking and engagement of tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs).  Sea-basing of TBM defenses provides early entry forces with TBM defenses that do not require land basing.  

Description: (U)
(U) The Navy Area Defense system will develop a sea-based area defense capability which builds on the existing AEGIS/STANDARD Missile air defense system.  This effort focuses on modifying the AEGIS combat system to extend its anti-air warfare capability to enable detection, tracking, and engagement of tactical ballistic missiles.  The AEGIS SPY-1 radar system, computer program, and equipment will be modified to allow searches at higher elevations and longer ranges in order to detect and track theater ballistic missiles (TBMs).  The AEGIS ships will require no additional manning for an area defense capability and already have the infrastructure for training, logistics, and engineering in-place and operating.  

(U) The AEGIS-based STANDARD Missiles (SM-2 Block IV) will be upgraded to give it a defense capability against shorter range TBMs to permit endo-atmospheric interceptions while preserving its cruise missile defense capability.   The SM-2 Block IVA missile will be used against theater ballistic missiles.  This upgraded missile is equipped with a side-mounted infrared seeker which will improve performance against low flying cruise missiles and against tactical ballistic missiles. 

(U) A user operational evaluation system (UOES) is planned to be delivered in FY 2000 and the First Unit Equipped (FUE) should occur in FY 2001.  The USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and USS Port Royal (CG-73), homeported in Pearl Harbor, will be the first ships to receive TBMD systems modifications and SM-2 Block IVA missiles.  

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Programmed.
	(U) IOC: 10/2001 (1QFY2002).
		(U)  First Unit Equipped (FUE) will occur in FY2001, with two cruisers being outfitted with the Navy Area Defense System.

(U) Organizations and Funding:
	(U) BMDO.
	(U) Navy: Funding Source.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) DSP, Navy Theater-Wide TBMD, Radiant GOLD

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Ground-Based Missile Defense

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) SPACE CONTROL: NMD/ COUNTERSPACE.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Navy.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)