03.25.19

Senator Sullivan Applauds Successful “Salvo” Test of GMD Element of the U.S. Missile Defense System

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, applauded the successful “salvo” test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element of our missile defense system. During this salvo test, two Ground-based Interceptors (GBIs) launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base were fired at a single threat-representative ICBM target, the first GBI successfully intercepting the target and the second GBI intercepting the next “most lethal” object.

“Today’s successful test is great news for the United States and our missile defenders,” said Senator Sullivan. “This test – in which two different objects were intercepted – validates the effectiveness of our homeland missile defense system and gives policymakers and warfighters increased confidence in a critical system which safeguards the entire country. Additionally, this test gives our enemies pause, making them doubt the effectiveness of their offensive capabilities. This doubt, coupled with the threat of a military response from the U.S., bolsters our deterrence posture, including against threats from rogue nations.” 

BACKGROUND:

  • As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Sullivan has been a strong advocate and leader on the need to bolster America’s missile defense. 
  • In the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Senator Sullivan worked across the aisle to include his Integrated Missile Defense Act – which authorized eight missile defense provisions, including the first-time requirement to both develop and deploy a layer of space-based sensors. 
  • In the FY 2018 NDAA, Senator Sullivan worked to include the majority of his bipartisan Advancing America’s Missile Defense Act -- which authorized 20 additional GBMI’s (a brand new missile field) at Ft. Greely, Alaska, which was fully funded by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in December 2017. 
  • In the FY 2017 NDAA, Senator Sullivan worked to include his Missile Defense Defend and Deter Act – legislation requiring the Missile Defense Agency to test a Ground Based Missile Interceptor once a year.  
  • Working alongside Senator Murkowski and Congressman Young, Senator Sullivan over the past four years has been able to authorize and secure nearly $1.3 billion in military construction funding for Alaska, including $200 million for a new missile field at Fort Greely. 

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