It’s big casino time for the missile defense program, which over the next year will stage four key tests of the pivotal Ground-based Mid-Course Missile Defense system. Two previous tests failed, mostly because of technical glitches. Missile interceptors are already in the ground in Alaska and California and ready to test. A Missile Defense Agency insider told the Huntsville (Ala.) Times that it’s time to “wring out the systems.”
The ongoing government shutdown has not slowed progress on the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a congressional official said, correcting a previous statement from lawmakers about the secretive program.

