Keeping Up with the Sky: Modernizing Army Air Defense

The U. S. Army is facing a sky full of new threats. Drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles are becoming smarter and more dangerous. The old ways of defending against these threats are not enough anymore. The Army needs to adapt and modernize its air defense systems to keep up with the changing battlefield. One of the biggest challenges is the speed and complexity of modern attacks. Enemies are using a mix of different weapons, coming from all directions. This makes it hard for air defense systems to keep up. The Army needs systems that can quickly detect, track, and destroy these threats. The Army has made some progress with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). This system integrates different sensors and weapons, allowing for better coordination and faster responses. However, there are still issues with mobility and survivability. The current command systems are large and easy targets. The Army needs to make these systems more mobile and harder to hit. The recent conflicts in Ukraine and Israel have shown the importance of mobility. Static defense systems can be easily targeted and destroyed. The Army needs to learn from these lessons and make its air defense systems more mobile. This will make it harder for enemies to target and destroy them. The Army also needs to think about the cost of defense. Expensive interceptors can quickly run out, leaving defenses vulnerable. The Army needs to find ways to extend the duration of operations, ensuring that defenses can last longer. The Army's new Air and Missile Defense Operations manual recognizes these challenges. It calls for more agile, mobile, and integrated command-and-control systems. The Army needs to act on these recommendations and modernize its air defense systems to meet the threats of today and tomorrow.