Cartwright calls ballistic missile defense the “boutique” area of STRATCOM’s responsibilities. Nonetheless, the STRATCOM boss recognizes he has the lead when it comes to coordinating and developing US missile defense operations. Cartwright says he is keeping tabs on the work being done by the Missile Defense Agency, which he says has faced “challenges,” particularly with the ground-based intercept element. However, he believes that missile defense efforts—overall—have been going well recently.
The Department of the Air Force wants to launch a construction boom with its fiscal 2027 budget, more than doubling its request over 2026, according to budget documents.