On October 24, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer published an op-ed in The National Interest arguing that the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) should consider developing an “underlayer” to the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System using US capabilities that previously had only been deployed to defend allies such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.
The MDA should explore the utility of Aegis ashore and THAAD against North Korean ICBM threats. A full exploration of the utility of the underlayer, including deep technical analysis, is required if the United States wants to strengthen its defenses.
Forward Defense leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, the military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.
