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, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.