Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

The Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, which is carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy, gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operations. BMD-capable Aegis ships operate in European waters to defend Europe from potential ballistic missile attacks from countries such as Iran, and in in the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf to provide regional defense against potential ballistic missile attacks from countries such as China, North Korea, and Iran. The number of BMD-capable Aegis ships has been growing over time. MDA’s FY2026 budget submission states that “by the end of FY 2026, there will be 63 total BMD capable [Aegis] ships requiring maintenance support.” The Aegis BMD program is funded to a large degree through MDA’s budget. The program has presented multiple potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress’s decisions on the Aegis BMD program could significantly affect U.S. BMD capabilities and funding requirements, and the BMD-related industrial base.