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Ground-Based Midcourse Defense

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense

Manufacturer: Boeing
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range 5,500+ km (ICBM-class threats)
Maximum Altitude Exo-atmospheric (above 2,000 km)
Radar Detection Range 4,000+ km (combined sensors)
Missile Speed Approx. Mach 20

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD)
Manufacturer	Boeing (Lead), Raytheon, Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Strategic Missile Defense System
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2004
Unit Cost	USD 75–85M per Interceptor (Est.)

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	Intercepts ICBMs midcourse
Maximum Engagement Altitude	Exo-atmospheric space intercept
Target Types	ICBMs, RVs, decoys
Interception Probability	Classified / Improved in recent tests
Reaction Time	Seconds (automated C2)
Radar Detection Range	2,000–4,000+ km (combined network)

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI)
Missile Length	16.6 m
Missile Weight	~12,700 kg
Warhead Type	Kinetic Kill Vehicle (EKV)
Warhead Weight	N/A (hit-to-kill)
Speed	Up to Mach 20

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	Phased Array / X-Band
Radar Name	SBX, UEWR, AN/TPY-2
Detection Range	2,000–4,000+ km
Tracking Capacity	Hundreds of objects
Guidance System	Hit-to-Kill + Midcourse Guidance
Fire Control System	Command Launch and Control (CLC)

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Underground Silo
No. of Missiles per Launcher	1
Reload Time	Several hours / mission dependent
Mobility Platform	Fixed installations
Crew Required	Highly automated; small crews

6. Command & Control

C2 System	GMD Fire Control (GFC)
Connectivity	SATCOM / Fiber / Secure Links
Network Capability	Fully integrated with MDA architecture
Operation Mode	Autonomous / Networked

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	United States
Combat Proven	Not used in combat
Conflict History	N/A (deterrence role)
Notable Feature	Only U.S. homeland ICBM defense

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10

PROS

Provides the only U.S. defense against long-range ICBMs
Hit-to-kill technology eliminates need for explosive warheads
Supported by global radar and satellite sensor architecture
Rapid response and automated battle management
Continuous modernization through NGI program

CONS

Limited interceptor inventory
High development and operational cost
Intercept probability varies by threat complexity
Dependent on multiple radars for accurate discrimination
Designed for rogue-state threats, not large-scale attacks

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense: America’s Strategic Shield

The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system is the United States’ primary homeland defense shield designed to intercept and destroy incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in space. Developed by Boeing as the lead contractor, with major contributions from Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, GMD represents one of the most complex and technologically advanced missile defense architectures ever fielded. Operational under the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and U.S. Northern Command, the system provides 24/7 protection against long-range missile attacks targeting the U.S. mainland.

Mission & Capabilities

GMD’s core mission is to defeat ICBMs during the midcourse phase, where the warhead travels through the vacuum of space. The system employs Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) located at Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Each interceptor carries an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) designed to destroy targets through kinetic hit-to-kill impact at closing speeds above Mach 20.

Supported by a global sensor network—including Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX), Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR), and space-based infrared systems—GMD integrates layered tracking data to accurately discriminate real warheads from decoys. Its command-and-control backbone, the Command Launch and Control (CLC) system, enables rapid battle management and multi-node coordination.

Operational Performance

Although limited in number, GMD provides the only operational U.S. defense against rogue-state ICBM threats. Ongoing modernization, including the upcoming Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI) program, aims to improve reliability, discrimination, and multi-kill capabilities.

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Price in United State

The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system has an estimated cost of USD 75–85 million per Ground-Based Interceptor, while full site infrastructure costs run into the billions due to radars, silos, command networks, and operational support. Exact pricing varies by configuration and modernization packages.

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