The Defense Department on Friday began its Ballistic Missile Defense Review, an in-depth study of ways to strengthen homeland defense. The review, which comes at a time when North Korea is repeatedly testing ballistic missiles and challenging US interests in the Pacific, will focus on strengthening missile-defense capabilities and providing policy framework, according to a Pentagon release. Like the recently announced Nuclear Posture Review, the Ballistic Missile Defense Review will also be led by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Paul Selva and Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work. A final report is expected by the end of the year.
The U.K. and the U.S. will continue to enjoy access to the ports, airfield, and workshops at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for at least another century, under a deal inked between the U.K. and Mauritius May 22.