US DoD To Review Ballistic Missile Defense Capabilities

The US defense secretary, Jim Mattis has directed the start of the department’s Ballistic Missile Defense Review.

The review is conducted to identify ways to strengthen missile-defense capabilities, rebalance homeland and theater defense priorities and provide the necessary policy and strategy framework for the nation's missile defense systems, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said Friday.

The review is part of the department’s efforts to establish a policy and strategy framework for U.S. missile defense systems as well as rebalance homeland and theater defense priorities of the country.

The review, running concurrent to the Nuclear Posture Review, will be led by the deputy secretary of defense and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and include interagency partners, White said.

The process will culminate in a final report and will be delivered to the president by the end of the year, she said.