U.S. Announces Next-Generation Missile Defense Shield to Counter Emerging Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President of the United States issued an executive order on January 27, 2025, mandating the development and deployment of a next-generation missile defense shield to counter escalating threats from ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. The order aims to protect the U.S. homeland and its citizens from advanced aerial attacks by peer, near-peer, and rogue adversaries.

The directive, rooted in the principle of “peace through strength,” outlines a comprehensive strategy to modernize the nation’s missile defense capabilities. It builds on the legacy of President Ronald Reagan‘s Strategic Defense Initiative, which was abandoned before achieving its goals. The new policy emphasizes deterrence, defense, and the assurance of a secure second-strike capability.

Within 60 days, the Secretary of Defense is required to submit a detailed implementation plan, including a reference architecture and capabilities-based requirements. Key components of the plan include the acceleration of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor layer, deployment of space-based interceptors, and development of non-kinetic capabilities to augment kinetic defenses.

“The threat from next-generation strategic weapons has intensified over the past 40 years,” the order states, citing advancements by adversaries in delivery systems and integrated air and missile defense capabilities. The U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002 marked a shift toward limited homeland missile defense, but the new policy seeks to expand these efforts significantly.

The order also mandates a review of theater missile defense posture in collaboration with allies and partners. This includes increasing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, improving defenses for forward-deployed troops, and accelerating the provision of U.S. missile defense capabilities to allies.

Funding for the initiative will be addressed in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget jointly submitting a financial plan. The order emphasizes that implementation will be consistent with applicable laws and subject to the availability of appropriations.

“This order is not intended to create any enforceable rights or benefits,” the document clarifies, ensuring that it does not override existing legal authorities or budgetary processes.