The proposed 10 ground-based interceptors for the European silos would be modified versions of their siblings in silos in Alaska and California. As the European site’s proponents note, the planned interceptors in European silos would provide the fastest and most cost-effective protection against the long-range missiles that Iran is projected to have by early in the next decade.

But here’s the rub: the interceptors supporting the U.S. sites have been tested in highly scripted and controlled scenarios without realistic countermeasures. The failure to put the ground-based element of the evolving ballistic missile defense system through more rigorous and high-fidelity testing has not been lost on Congress. Sen. Carl Levin, chairman, SASC, and former Rep. Ellen Tauscher, who was recently confirmed as the under secretary of state for International Arms Control and International Security Affairs, are among the congressional leaders who have called on DoD to put this and other BMDS elements through more rigorous paces prior to deployment.

Some good news is on the way. Lieutenant General Patrick O’Reilly, director, MDA, is addressing this significant BMDS shortfall by implementing a vastly improved BMD test plan and ensuring that BMDS elements fall under the recently enacted Weapons Acquisition Reform Act. Whether real-world and operational circumstances will permit MDA to thoroughly test and evaluate the European site’s systems prior to deployment is unclear. What is certain is MDA’s efforts will help ensure that BMDS elements will be truly mission-ready when deployed to the supported combatant commanders.

Marty Kauchak, Editor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it