The 2019 Missile Defence Review is a basic document which describes the defensive posture of the United States towards the threat posed by ballistic and cruise missiles. Assessing this threat, it points to various developments, from the increasing resurgence of Russia and China to the proliferation of ballistic and cruise missiles throughout the world. The hypersonic missiles and anti-satellite weapons are mentioned as well in this context.
ZBN Commentary no. 6 (48) / 2019
19 May 2019
The 2019 Missile Defence Review is a basic document which describes the defensive posture of the United States towards the threat posed by ballistic and cruise missiles. Assessing this threat, it points to various developments, from the increasing resurgence of Russia and China to the proliferation of ballistic and cruise missiles throughout the world. The hypersonic missiles and anti-satellite weapons are mentioned as well in this context. Therefore, the MDR emphasizes the necessity to augment and expand a comprehensive defence against current and future missile threats. It directs the U.S. defence community to conduct studies on several promising ideas such as space-borne weapons or directed energy weapons. However, it does not deliver any tangible ideas about organizations or technologies going beyond the already existing ballistic missile defence.
Photo: Missile Defense Agency https://www.mda.mil/global/images/system/thaad/FET-01_THAAD_001.jpg