Pentagon Requests $1.6Bln for Ballistic Missile Defense

According to US Defense Department's program acquisition document, Pentagon is asking for $1.6 billion to test and develop its ground-based interceptor ballistic missile defense system.

WASHINGTON, (Sputnik) — The US Defense Department is asking for $1.6 billion to test and develop its ground-based interceptor ballistic missile defense system, according to department’s program acquisition document.

“Additional funding is sought for…missile defense ground based interceptor reliability ($1.6 billion),” the document issued Monday said.

The proposed budget supports the commitment to develop, operate, and sustain the midcourse defense system, which includes the planned deployment of 40 ground-based interceptors at Fort Greely, Alaska and four interceptors at the Vandenburg Air Force Base in California by fiscal year 2017.

The Pentagon said it seeks to defend the United States from ballistic missile attacks by striking and destroying incoming missiles with a kill vehicle.

The Pentagon will use the $1.6 billion — up from $1 billion in 2015 — to test and develop a more accurate and reliable kill vehicle, according to the document.

The funds will also extend to cover the cost for an expert panel and a board to review past test failures.