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 House Armed Services Committee on June 4 approved an amendment to a key defense policy bill that would bar the Air Force from retiring E-3 Sentry aircraft through fiscal 2027.