A new report released by the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis recommends expanding the missile defense structure by reorganizing programs, increasing Presidential and Congressional involvement, and developing more public recognition to make it an urgent national priority. The 200-plus-page report, which is the work of the Independent Working Group on Post-ABM Treaty Missile Defense and the Space Relationship formed in 2002, gives a thorough assessment of missile defense requirements and makes recommendations for using all available technology to ensure US primacy in space. One of its bigger findings is the need to deploy space-based defense systems within three years to augment ground-based interceptors. The IWG also recommends that DOD science and technology funding “should constitute at least 3 percent of total defense spending.”
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.