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.  

About the Missile Defense Project

Learn more about the Missile Defense Project and the network of experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates who contribute to our analysis.

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Photo: Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez

Photo: Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez

HTK Series

A public discussion series with Heather Williams, Tom Karako, and Kari Bingen offering real-time context and commentary on national security developments and strategic forces issues

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Photo: CSIS Missile Defense Project

Photo: CSIS Missile Defense Project

Mesh Sensing for Air and Missile Defense

Affordable mass has become the watchword of defense modernization, be it swarms of drones or satellite constellations. What could such an approach mean for air and missile defense? Networks of passive, proliferated sensors could make one meaningful contribution. 

Report by Masao Dahlgren, Patrycja Bazylczyk, and Tom Karako — July 21, 2025

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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Derek Hamilton/Released

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Derek Hamilton/Released

Strategic Landpower Dialogue  

The Strategic Landpower Dialogue is a quarterly event series featuring senior Army officers and leaders to discuss critical landpower issues

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Long-Range Strike Systems

Missile Threat

Missile Threat brings together a wide range of information and analysis relating to the proliferation of cruise and ballistic missiles around the world and the air and missile defense systems designed to defeat them.

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Warfighting and War Winning in Space

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on warfighting in space and its implications for deterrence and strategic stability. 

Event — May 26, 2026

Is the U.S. Running Out of Munitions? | All About the Base

All About the Base host and Center for the Industrial Base Director Jerry McGinn speaks with Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project, on the state of U.S. munitions stockpiles in light of the strikes against Iran and the need for magazine "breadth" and not simply depth.

Event — March 10, 2026

Missiles of Iran | Missile Threat

Iran possesses the largest and most diverse missile arsenal in the Middle East. The CSIS Missile Defense Project unpacks Iran's current missile activity and capabilities.

Commentary — March 4, 2026

Missile Maps and Data Visualizations

These graphics display the missile activity and capabilities of countries around the globe, including missile ranges, missile testing patterns, and more. All images are free use with citation to the CSIS Missile Defense Project.

Commentary — March 3, 2026

Golden Dome One Year In

Please join the CSIS Aerospace Security Project and Missile Defense Project for a conversation about the Golden Dome for America.

Event — February 13, 2026