Missile Defense Agency
July 17, 2013
Unclassified Statement of Vice Admiral James D. Syring
Director, Missile Defense Agency
Before The Senate Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee
[Edited by RR]
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile launch
Good morning, Chairman Durbin, Vice Chairman Cochran, distinguished Members of the subcommittee. I appreciate this opportunity to testify before you for the first time as the Director of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Our current budget request of $7.684 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 will continue the development of defenses for our Nation, deployed forces, allies, and international partners against increasingly capable ballistic missiles…My priorities in FY 2014 are to continue our strong support of the warfighter, support what we have deployed, and deliver more capability to the Combatant Commanders (COCOMs).
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Our overriding goal is to provide support to the warfighter. To this end we will focus on improving the performance of the Ground Based Interceptors (GBIs) and the Aegis Weapons System, including the Standard Missile (SM) interceptors, and continuing our support for operational systems like the AN/TPY-2 radar and the Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) at fielded sites. We will also deliver more interceptors for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) as we look for ways to make them more operationally effective and cost-effective.
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In order to provide the warfighters confidence in the execution of their integrated missile defense plans and the opportunity to refine operational doctrine and tactics, this year we plan to demonstrate the ability of the integrated BMDS to defeat two nearsimultaneous ballistic missile threats. In the integrated BMDS flight test (FTI-01) this past October, the largest, most complex ballistic missile defense test ever attempted, we demonstrated the capability of the BMDS to engage upon a raid of five nearsimultaneous representative threats, air-breathing and ballistic missiles, hitting four out of five targets…
Army Soldiers from the 100th Missile Defense Brigade, located at Schriever AFB, Colorado and under the command of U.S. Northern Command, operated the GFC system during this test. I am committed to conducting a full evaluation of the path ahead for the GMD program and, regardless of the path we decide to embark on, aggressively attacking any substantiated quality control or systems integration problems within that program…The successful non-intercept controlled flight test of the next generation CE-II GBI earlier this year (CTV-01) gives us confidence and cautious optimism we have addressed the causes of the FTG-06a endgame failure in December 2010 and are on the right track for a successful return to intercept using the redesigned EKV…
Today, 30 operational GBIs protect the United States against a limited ICBM attack from current regional threats, such as North Korea and Iran…Last year we completed construction of the 14-silo Missile Field-2 at FGA and emplaced the first GBI in that field in March 2012. We also relocated the last interceptors from Missile Field-1.
MDA requests $1,033.9 million in FY 2014 in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding for GMD…We are also increasing the number of GBIs we plan to produce and deploy. As announced on March 15 by Secretary Hagel, we plan to increase our operational GBI fleet from 30 to 44 in 2017 by re-allocating GBIs from the spares and stockpile reliability program. This timeline to increase the number of deployed GBIs, of course, assumes a successful return to intercept of the next generation EKV (the CE-II) and that the results of the FTG-07 failure investigation do not point to any problematic common components within the currently planned production GBI. We will reset this program with the procurement of fourteen additional GBIs, two per year, starting in FY 2016. We also request $135 million in FY 2014 to rebuild a hardened Missile Field 1 critical to achieving the 44-operational-GBI capability.
In FY 2014 we will continue work on the GBI In-Flight Interceptor Communication System (IFCS) Data Terminal (IDT) at Fort Drum, New York, which we will deliver in early FY 2015 and is planned to be operational in 2015. The East Coast IDT will enable communication with GBIs launched from Fort Greely, Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California over longer distances and improve defenses for the eastern United States by increasing system performance in specific engagement scenarios. Pursuant to the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, this year we will begin a siting study for a potential Missile Field in the Continental United States (CONUS). MDA has initiated a CONUS Interceptor Site (CIS) study to evaluate several sites for the potential future deployment of additional GBIs…
To maintain readiness in our network of strategic radars, last year MDA worked with the Air Force to begin upgrading the Early Warning Radar (EWR) at Clear, Alaska to give it a missile defense capability, providing improved ballistic missile defense sensor coverage over the continental United States…MDA plans to transfer the Beale (California), Fylingdales (United Kingdom), and Thule (Greenland) Upgraded Early Warning Radars to the Air Force in the later part of FY 2013 once all three radars are operating with the same software configuration. This year we are also working with our Japanese partners to deploy a second AN/TPY-2 radar to the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Area of Responsibility to enhance regional defenses and provide more robust sensor coverage for homeland defense.
We are requesting $44.5 million in FY 2014 for continued Sea Based X-band (SBX) radar operations. For affordability reasons, MDA transferred the SBX to Limited Test Support Status, where the radar continues to support the BMDS test program and remains available for contingency deployment under the operational command of PACOM. We completed the transfer of the SBX vessel to the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command in FY 2012. New SBX operational software with improved discrimination and debris mitigation was delivered and completed in January 2013. The new SBX configuration will complete integration fielding and testing with GMD in the third quarter of FY 2014.
Regional Defenses
Deployment of regional defenses to protect our deployed forces, allies and international partners remains one of our top priorities. Our FY 2014 budget request funds the continued development and deployment of defenses against SRBMs, MRBMs, and IRBMs in support of Combatant Commanders’ near-term and future priorities.
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense – MDA delivered the 50th THAAD interceptor last year, completing the initial interceptor load for the two fielded batteries. With the conclusion of unit collective training, MDA also completed fielding of the second THAAD battery. The U.S. Army’s granting of Conditional Materiel Release for the THAAD weapon system made THAAD available for worldwide operational employment. In recent tests we demonstrated THAAD’s ability to intercept an MRBM as part of an integrated operational test with PAC-3 and Aegis BMD (FTI-01) and its ability to detect, track, and engage multiple simultaneous targets (FTT-12).
In FY 2013 we are delivering the third THAAD battery to the U.S. Army and initiating soldier new equipment training, which will be completed in FY 2014. MDA will continue to deliver THAAD interceptors to inventory, achieving 82 interceptors by the end of this fiscal year and 98 interceptors by the end of FY 2014. For FY 2014, MDA is requesting $581 million for THAAD procurement, which includes the purchase of 36 THAAD interceptors and six launchers, and two THAAD Tactical Station Groups for the sixth THAAD Battery. In FY 2014 we expect to deliver the fourth THAAD Battery. Our current plans are to deliver six batteries and, based on Combatant Commanders’ desires, we are working with the Army to analyze a requirement for a seventh THAAD Battery within the Future Years Defense Program. We also are requesting $269 million in RDT&E funding in FY 2014 and $92 million for THAAD operations and maintenance.
We will continue to enhance THAAD’s ability to operate through post-intercept debris, enable launch of THAAD’s interceptors using sensor data provided by other BMDS sensors, and maintain capability against current and evolving threats.
Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense
Last year we installed the Aegis BMD 3.6 weapon system on three Aegis ships, for a total of 24 Aegis BMD 3.6 ships, and completed two Aegis BMD 4.0 installations. We also commenced two more Aegis BMD 4.0 installs and initiated BMD 5.0 install on the Aegis BMD test ship, the USS JOHN PAUL JONES, which will replace USS LAKE ERIE in that role. This approach supports Navy and MDA testing of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense combat system. We now have a total of 27 certified Aegis BMD ships. This past year we delivered 11 SM-3 Block IAs and two SM-3 Block IBs, both of which were expended in tests. By the end of 2014, up to 39 SM-3 Block IBs will be delivered. With the Japan Ministry of Defense, we continued SM-3 Block IIA system and component Preliminary Design Reviews and awarded a contract to complete SM-3 IIA development.
In May 2012, we conducted a lethal engagement resulting in the successful intercept of a unitary separating target with the second-generation Aegis BMD 4.0 combat weapon system onboard the USS LAKE ERIE and an SM-3 IB guided missile (FTM-16 Event 2a). This test also validated the resolution of the previous flight test issue. In June 2012, we demonstrated again the ability of the SM-3 IB and the Aegis BMD 4.0 combat system to intercept of a separating ballistic missile target (FTM-18).
Just last month we successfully conducted FTM-19 destroying a separating short-range target using the SM-3 Block IB interceptor and the Aegis BMD 4.0.2 weapon system. This was an important operational and developmental test for Aegis BMD that supports the All Up Round production decision for the SM-3 IB. All three intercept tests represented significant accomplishments for the next generation Aegis Weapon System and SM-3 for regional defense and specifically in support of EPAA Phase II. In the integrated FTI-01 BMDS flight test this past October, the USS FITZGERALD successfully engaged a low flying cruise missile over water. The Aegis combat system also tracked an SRBM and launched an SM-3 IA against that threat space. Despite indication of a nominal flight of the SM-3 IA, we did not achieve an intercept. We have a Failure Review Board currently investigating why this occurred. We have combed through ground test data from all fleet rounds and have not found any rounds with the same ground test results as the SM-3 IA used in FTI-01, which gives us confidence in all deployed SM-3 IAs. This past February, in FTM-20, we successfully intercepted a unitary MRBM target using the SM-3 IA and the Aegis BMD 4.0 weapon system in a remote engagement using data from the Space Tracking and Surveillance System demonstration (STSS-D) satellites. We passed very high quality fire control quality data provided from STSS-D satellites through C2BMC. This was a highly complex test, and 13 it proved the value of an integrated C2 and sensor network and the use of space-based sensors.
The remainder of this year and next will be busy years for Aegis BMD flight testing as we continue to demonstrate capability of the Aegis BMD 4.0 Weapons System with the Standard Missile Block IB in a series of intercept flight tests. Later this fall, in FTM-21, an Aegis BMD ship will demonstrate a salvo fire capability. FTM-22 will demonstrate the IOT&E of the SM-3 IB against a complex MRBM target. These two tests will support a full-rate production decision. Tests of the SM-3 IB against various targets from both ships and our first flight testing from Aegis Ashore continue in FY 2014.
In response to the Combatant Commanders’ demand signal for more BMD ships with the latest tested capability, Navy and MDA are jointly executing efforts to upgrade Aegis Destroyers with BMD capability, incorporating Aegis BMD into the Navy’s Aegis DDG Modernization Program and new construction of Aegis BMD DDGs. In 2014, two previously installed Aegis BMD ships will be upgraded with the 4.0 weapons system configuration. In addition to the ship upgrades, one non-BMD capable ship is programmed to start the Aegis Modernization Program. Construction of DDG 113, the first Aegis Destroyer built from the keel up with the BMD capability, is well underway. Ships identified for homeport transfer to Rota, Spain will have been upgraded or programmed to receive the BMD installation.
We also continue development of a Sea Based Terminal capability to provide protection of maritime forces against advanced anti-ship ballistic missiles and increased layered defense for forces ashore. Using an incremental development approach, we are 14 incorporating BMD capability into the Navy’s SM-6 guided missile and the BMD 5.0 weapon system. We expect to test and certify the first increment of Sea Based Terminal capability in 2015 and 2016.
We are requesting $937 million in RDT&E funding in FY 2014 to continue the development, testing and, installation of Aegis BMD capabilities to defeat longer range and more sophisticated ballistic missiles launched in larger raid sizes. We also request $581 million in FY 2014 for the procurement of 52 SM-3 IB guided missiles and $18 million for operations and maintenance of SM-3 IAs. By the end of FY 2014, we plan to deliver a total of 180 SM-3s, including IA and IB variants.
European Phased Adaptive Approach
We will continue to support the EPAA to provide coverage of European NATO territory from Iranian ballistic missile threats. In 2011 MDA completed Phase 1 of the EPAA to provide coverage of NATO territory in Europe with the deployment of Aegis BMD 3.6 ships with SM-3 IAs and a SPY-1 radar
in the Mediterranean, the AN/TPY-2 radar (FBM) to U.S. European Command (EUCOM) in Turkey, and the C2BMC Spiral 6.4 system at Ramstein AFB in Germany.
We will continue to invest resources for EPAA development, testing and deployment. Our goal in EPAA Phase 2 is to provide a robust capability against SRBMs and MRBMs by ensuring the system provides multiple opportunities to engage each threat missile in flight. The architecture includes the deployment of the Aegis BMD 4.0 and 5.0 weapon systems with SM-3 IBs at sea and at an Aegis Ashore site in Romania. In FY 2012 MDA conducted Romania Aegis Ashore planning and environmental studies and
began component production necessary for early integration and testing of the Aegis Ashore system by 2015. Aegis Ashore began construction activities in 2012 in 15 Moorestown, New Jersey and construction of a test site in Kauai, Hawaii. We signed an overarching Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Navy regarding Operations and Sustainment of the European Aegis Ashore sites. The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) will support flight testing of Aegis Ashore capabilities in an operational configuration. The complex will be available to conduct the first Aegis Ashore test firing in FY 2014. MDA will initiate construction of the Aegis Ashore site in Deveselu, Romania with the delivery of the deckhouse in FY 2014. The site will be operational by December 2015. MDA requests $85 million in FY 2014 to continue construction of the Aegis Ashore site in Romania.
In support of EPAA Phase 3, the SM-3 Block IIA, which we are co-developing with the Japanese government and an upgraded version of the Aegis Weapons System are on schedule to be available for deployment in 2018 at Aegis Ashore sites in Romania and Poland and at sea. Deployment of Phase 3 will enhance and expand protection for European NATO countries and U.S. forces through the region…The upgraded Aegis Weapons System combined with the faster…longer reaching SM-3 IIA will provide capability to counter more sophisticated threats when compared to the SM-3 IA and IB and will extend coverage to NATO allies in Europe…
With the completion of Phase 3, EPAA will provide upper-tier coverage of NATO Europe. As we work closely with Navy in modernization, we will also install the 5.1 Aegis Weapons System on ships for
deployment worldwide in support of the Combatant Commanders. We will also install and deploy the 5.1 system in the two Aegis Ashore batteries. This past year we continued development of the Aegis BMD 5.1 fire control system and awarded the SM-3 16 IIA contract to complete missile development. In FY 2014 we will conduct the first flyout test of the SM-3 IIA propulsion stack to measure its performance. MDA requests $308.5 million in RDT funding in FY 2014 to continue the bilateral, cooperative effort.
Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications and Sensors
We successfully demonstrated this past year our ability to interoperate between NATO’s Active Layered Theater Ballistic Missile Defense (ALTBMD) system and C2BMC. The NATO BMD Operations Center (BMDOC) at Ramstein Air Base is NATO’s 24/7 command and control center for missile defense. Today, the NATO BMDOC participates in joint exercises with the EUCOM missile and air defense architecture and is responsible for command and control of the multi-national Patriot units currently deployed in Turkey.
In 2012 we continued to support warfighter operations of the EUCOM BMDS capability for regional defense and executed key warfighter events to demonstrate readiness for defense of Israel by linking the AN/TPY-2 and C2BMC ballistic missile threat tracks to Aegis BMD, THAAD, and Patriot shooters in a distributed environment using operational communications and crews. In partnership with the Combatant
Commands, we maintain the capability to engage multiple simultaneous threat attacks in the region. Last year we completed the AN/TPY-2 radar deployment to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), where we deployed a C2BMC suite ahead of schedule as well as the Global Engagement Manager (GEM) for control of the AN/TPY-2 radar to enhance regional missile defense.
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Our near-to-mid-term focus for homeland defense will be to increase GMD capability, to include increasing deployed GBIs from 30 to 44, investing in Common Kill Vehicle technology, and conducting siting and EIS studies for a new U.S. GBI missile field.
MDA requests $19.2 million in FY 2014 to continue partnerships with industry and universities to seek innovative concepts in sensors, weapons, and advanced algorithms. We will leverage University-to-University International Research opportunities with allied nations to enhance Advanced Technology initiatives and build stronger relationships with our international partners and NATO allies.
International Cooperation
MDA is engaged either bilaterally or multilaterally with nearly two dozen countries and international organizations, such as NATO and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In [the] Asia-Pacific, the United States and Japan are working together to support the deployment of the second U.S. forward-based AN/TPY-2 radar. In addition, we continue to develop collaboratively the SM-3 IIA to enable U.S. and Japanese Aegis BMD ships to engage MRBMs and IRBMs and, when coupled with the upgraded Aegis BMD weapon system, more sophisticated ballistic missile threats. This year we signed a Second Amendment to the formal joint agreement with Japan administering the SM-3 21 Block IIA Cooperative Development (SCD) effort. The amendment will reduce risk in the SCD program by adding flight tests and sufficient time in the schedule for additional engineering analysis between flight tests.
This budget continues MDA’s longstanding commitment in support of Israeli defensive efforts. MDA is working with the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) to deliver Iron Dome batteries and interceptors. Iron Dome has had significant success protecting the Israeli population against short-range rockets and large artillery shells. MDA has been working closely with U.S. Department of Defense leadership to ensure U.S. funding for Iron Dome is being used effectively to produce additional Iron Dome batteries and interceptors. Any further U.S. contributions on Iron Dome will be governed by a formal international agreement. MDA is actively seeking Iron Dome coproduction opportunities for U.S. defense industry. We are negotiating to obtain available technical data packages and data rights should there be a future U.S. defense requirement for this weapon system.
We are also developing missile defense systems with Israel to address regional ballistic missile threats. The David’s Sling Weapon System is designed to defeat SRBM threats. IMDO and MDA completed the first phase of the development of David’s Sling last November with a successful intercept test. MDA and Israel also are co-developing the Arrow-3 Upper Tier interceptor. The advanced design of this interceptor was successfully tested this past February in a non-intercept test; a second fly-out test is scheduled for FY 2014. MDA also participated in Austere Challenge 2012 exercises, which successfully demonstrated the concept of operations for the U.S.-Israel BMD architecture and future interoperability.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, U.S. BMD capabilities continue to expand in defense of forward-deployed U.S. armed forces, allies, and partners. Major MDA activities in the Middle East involve relationships with regional partners expressing interest in procuring U.S. systems. Last year, MDA was officially designated as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Implementing Agency for THAAD and the AN/TPY-2 radar. In addition to our current $3.5B FMS case with the United Arab Emirates, we are engaged with several other potential FMS customers for these very capable systems. In Europe, aside from EPAA planning and fielding, MDA maintains active bilateral relationships with our close allies in that region.
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