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Low-cost exo-atmospheric interceptor development

Division A · Title XVI: Space Activities, Strategic Programs, and Intelligence Matters · Subtitle D: Missile Defense Programs

Plain-language summaryAI

The Department of Defense must develop and demonstrate an affordable missile interceptor that works outside the atmosphere to complement existing missile defense systems. The Missile Defense Agency is required to brief Congress within 90 days on related programs and activities. Within 180 days, the agency must also report to Congress on the current missile threat and the plan for acquiring this new interceptor.

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Section Text · Sec. 1656.
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(a) Requirement

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Missile Defense Agency, shall carry out a program to develop and demonstrate a low-cost exo-atmospheric interceptor to provide complementary, scalable intercept capability to existing interceptors in the ballistic missile defense architecture.

(b) Briefing

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing on programs and activities carried out under this section.

(c) Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—

(1)

the current threat environment necessitating low-cost and scalable exo-atmospheric intercept capability; and

(2)

the acquisition strategy for a low-cost and scalable exo-atmospheric interceptor program.