Sen. Cruz calls for inclusion of space-based missile defense in 2018 MDR

Citing North Korean ballistic missile threats, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) called on the Department of Defense (DoD) to include development and deployment of space-based missile defense in the 2018 Missile Defense Review (MDR).

In a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis, Cruz highlighted progress made by the Missile Defense Agency since President Ronald Reagan envisioned a space-based missile defense system in 1983. However, Cruz also cited concerns that “we have not developed or fielded the requisite capabilities to intercept ballistic missiles in their most vulnerable state of flight.”

“We must recognize the inextricable link between our evolving conception of space and bolstering our layered missile defense architecture,” Cruz said. “Last year, I authored language that was adopted into the Senate’s FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act, stating that it is a matter of U.S. policy to utilize an integrated system of assets in space for defense of the homeland. The best way to operationalize this policy is developing and deploying a space-based interceptor layer.”

Cruz also cited a 2011 study by the Institute for Defense Analysis that concluded “a space based interceptor layer could contribute to homeland defense, fulfill a boost phase intercept mission, defend against intercontinental ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran, defend aircraft carriers from anti-ship ballistic missiles, be developed within 10 years and defend against anti-satellite weapons.”