U.S. Missile Defense Warhead Program to Cost Almost $18 Billion

Summary

Major points relating to the proposed missile program are as follows:

• Need to counter incoming missiles from North Korea or Iran.
• Missile designs to be developed by:  Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp.
• Design stage to cost approximately USD 13 billion.
• By 2026 US government will have selected the winning design.
• The production phase is estimated to cost USD 2.3 billion.
• The interceptors should be able to destroy incoming missiles.

References

• May 2021 Slate The Wrong Lesson to Take From Israel’s Iron Dome
• May 2021 The Hill The bold new direction for missile defense is worthy of support
• May 2021 Defense Post Commentary Lockheed Takeover Plan Jeopardizes US Ability to Counter Evolving Missile Threats