AIA Co-Hosts Missile Defense Advocacy Event on Capitol Hill
AIA joined forces with the George Marshall Institute and the Space Transportation Association Sept. 10 to conduct a missile defense briefing on Capitol Hill, just prior to a major missile defense announcement by the White House and Defense Department.
AIA Vice President for Space JP Stevens moderated the event, which featured remarks by the co-chairs of the House Missile Defense Caucus, Reps. Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Parker Griffith (D-AL), along with Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO). The members all noted the importance of the U.S. missile defense commitment to the security of our nation, service members and allies.
In addition to the remarks from members of Congress, Lt. Gen. Patrick O’Reilly, director of the Missile Defense Agency, provided an educational overview of U.S. missile defense efforts and future initiatives. General O’Reilly made a particular point of emphasizing the importance of the industrial base to a successful missile defense program.
More than 75 individuals attended including leaders in the D.C. think-tank community, members of Congress and staff and industry representatives.
Just one week later, the White House announced a major overhaul of U.S. missile defense efforts in Europe. According to the Administration, the new missile defense architecture will feature deployments of sea-based missiles to defend against the increasing threat of Iranian short and medium range ballistic missiles. After this initial phase of deployment, four additional phases are planned to increase the capability of the U.S. and our allies to intercept missile threats, including intermediate range and intercontinental missiles that could threaten the U.S. homeland.
AIA looks forward to working with Congress and the administration on this critical issue to ensure industry’s voice is heard as we develop our national security capabilities in an evolving threat environment.
AIA source: mike.conschafter[at]aia-aerospace.org
