Missile Defense Project
Authoritative analysis on missile defense and related issues
The Missile Defense Project at CSIS looks at a wide range of policy, program, and strategic issues related to missile defense. Technological and geopolitical factors have driven increased global supply and demand for high-velocity, unmanned, missile-based weapons and their corresponding counters. Besides more recognized cruise and ballistic missile threats, global missile proliferation now consists of a spectrum including precision-guided rockets, anti-ship missiles, air defenses, hypersonic delivery systems, and counterspace weapons.
Contact Information
- Shaan Shaikh
- Fellow, Missile Defense Project
- sshaikh@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Assistant Director of Communications, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Photo: YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Putin’s Missile War
This CSIS report explores Russia’s evolving missile campaign against Ukraine from the opening days of the invasion to present day, the sources of Russian underperformance, and the specific missile systems Russia has deployed.
Report by Ian Williams — May 5, 2023
Past Events

Countering Uncrewed Aerial Systems: A Conversation with General Sean Gainey
Strategic Landpower Dialogue: A Conversation with General James Dickinson

Strategic Landpower Dialogue: A Conversation with General Charles Flynn

Strategic Landpower Dialogue: A Conversation with Secretary Christine Wormuth & General Randy George

Integration of the U.S. Missile Defense Enterprise

Missile Defense in Israel: A Conversation with Moshe Patel

Missile Defense at 40

Book Event - The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink
In the News
Anduril Builds a Tiny, Reusable Fighter Jet That Blows Up Drones
Tom Karako in Bloomberg — December 1, 2023
Hezbollah’s Rocket, Missile And Drone Arsenal Is Huge And Varied
Shaan Shaikh in Forbes — November 17, 2023
US Army Wants Counter-Drone Training as Basic Soldier Requirement
Tom Karako in The Defense Post — November 17, 2023
Thinking machines
Shaan Shaikh in Shephard Media — November 16, 2023
Ep42: Air, Air, Everywhere
Tom Karako in Defense & Aerospace Air Power Podcast — November 16, 2023
The new space race with China
Shaan Shaikh in Politico — November 16, 2023
Why the Pentagon is spending billions to bring laser weapons to the battlefield
Masao Dahlgren in CNBC — November 15, 2023
Space Perspective's balloon-like spacecraft is floating toward a 2024 commercial launch. See new photos of the high-altitude luxury vehicle — including its fancy space toilet.
Wes Rumbaugh in Business Insider — October 24, 2023
All Missile Defense Project Content
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The Role of Integrated Air and Missile Defense for Strategic Deterrence
Event — May 21, 2021
Missile Defense Is Compatible With Arms Control
Commentary — April 29, 2021
What to Look for in the FY 2022 Defense Budget Request
Commentary — April 29, 2021
Missile Defense Is Compatible with Arms Control
Commentary by Robert Soofer — April 29, 2021
Missile Defense and Defeat: A Conversation with the Vice Chairman
Event — February 23, 2021
Online Event: A New Strategy for Countering Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
Event — January 8, 2021
Five Types of International Cooperation for Missile Defense
Commentary — December 10, 2020
Five Types of International Cooperation for Missile Defense
Brief by Kevin Fashola — December 9, 2020
Bad Idea: Ignoring Congressional Oversight on Space Sensor Development
Commentary — December 8, 2020
The Air and Missile War in Nagorno-Karabakh: Lessons for the Future of Strike and Defense
Commentary — December 8, 2020