Introduction
In response to evolving threats, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a comprehensive action plan to deploy a missile shield over the United States, as revealed in a recently obtained memo by Breaking Defense. This plan aims to align with President Donald Trump’s „Iron Dome for America” executive order, which establishes a 60-day timeline for formulating a robust defense strategy against various missile threats.
Strategic Guidance Overview
The draft memo outlines a two-phase process for developing the missile shield, primarily coordinated by the undersecretary for policy and supported by the assistant secretary for space policy. This framework is set to meet the January 27 deadline and is poised to create a “next-generation missile shield” capable of defending against ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missile threats from a range of adversaries.
Leadership Roles and Key Personnel
Although the memo remains unsigned and subject to change, it reveals key personnel involved in the effort. Alexander Velez-Green is currently serving as the acting undersecretary for policy, while John Hill is handling the assistant secretary for space policy responsibilities. The memo outlines the expected contributions from various branches of the Department of Defense (DoD) and military leadership.
Initial Task Assignments
As a crucial first step, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with various military and defense components, is tasked with developing three scalable reference architectures by February 28. These architectures will include options for small, medium, and large-scale missile defense systems, utilizing both kinetic and non-kinetic weapon systems, along with estimated costs for each.
Interagency Collaboration for Strategic Development
Additional tasks involve multiple interagency working groups that will determine specific elements to be included in each reference architecture option. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman is assigned with accelerating efforts for a Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor Layer, collaborating closely with other DoD offices to facilitate timely data transport and target solution creation.
Space-based Interceptor Coordination
The DoD undersecretary for Research & Engineering will work on plans for deploying a large constellation of space-based interceptors designed for early missile phase interception. This includes assessing the potential of directed-energy weapons within the defense architecture.
Comprehensive Planning for Defensive Capabilities
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in conjunction with various military branches and strategic commands, will plan capabilities targeting the „underlayer” and terminal phases of missile defense systems to counter potential countervalue attacks.
Second Phase: Advanced Planning and Strategic Reviews
In the second phase of the action plan, scheduled for mid-March, several directives include:
- A review of necessary authorities to expedite missile shield deployment.
- A budget plan for the selected reference architecture to ensure timely presidential consideration before the completion of the fiscal 2026 budget.
- Establishment of prioritized defense locations that safeguard against nuclear countervalue attacks while ensuring the ability for a second-strike response and protection of critical infrastructure.
- An assessment of the implications of Trump’s executive order on strategic stability.
Conclusion: Upcoming Defense Review and Collaboration
Additionally, the DoD and State Department are tasked with completing a comprehensive allied and theater missile defense review by May 15. The development of this action plan underscores a strategic commitment to enhance national security against an array of modern missile threats, emphasizing rigorous planning and interdepartmental cooperation as crucial elements of implementation.
