Missile Defense Budget Request Favors Mature Systems

摘要

The U.S. Defense Department's forthcoming 2010 budget request for missile defense programs emphasizes protecting U.S. troops and allies from short- to medium-range threats using deployment-ready systems.rnDuring a press briefing April 6, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said spending on Missile Defense Agency (MDA) programs will decline by $1.4 billion in 2010. While funding details for most programs have yet to be released, Gates announced some key decisions, among them the cancellation of plans to build a second Airborne Laser platform.rnThe Airborne Laser, a converted Boeing 747 aircraft equipped with a high-power laser for downing missiles in their boost phase, has progressed through a series of tests leading up to a planned first attempt to engage a missile in flight this year. Chicago-based Boeing Co. is the prime contractor.