US Northern Command is studying which capability it needs to counter “low, slow airborne threats” to the US homeland, said Army Gen. Charles Jacoby, head of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and NORTHCOM boss. He told the House Armed Services Committee this week that command officials are “actively pursuing” this. “We have submitted this capability into the joint requirements process and have begun work on an analysis of alternatives,” he said. He added, “Based on our initial timelines, we anticipate having a way ahead by late summer.” In the past, US officials have described such threats as small-sized single-engine propeller aircraft or even rudimentary cruise missiles. (Jacoby’s prepared statement)
The Pentagon is making progress developing a new target round for test the effectiveness of U.S. missile defenses. Contractor Northrop Grumman announced the first flight of a redesigned vehicle Jan. 8.
