Missile Defense

Seeking innovative means to counter the full spectrum of global missile threats, CSIS research on this subject is led by the Missile Defense Project, which operates the CSIS Missile Threat website.

Photo: ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images

The Global Nuclear Balance: Nuclear Forces and Key Trends in Nuclear Modernization

In this report, the Emeritus Chair provides an unclassified overview of key trends in global nuclear balance.

Report by Anthony H. Cordesman — May 15, 2023

Revitalizing European Air Defense

Commentary by John Christianson and Matthew Hanson — March 8, 2023

CSIS Commission Report on North Korea Policy & Extended Deterrence

Transcript — January 26, 2023

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Latest Podcasts

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Putin’s Missile War

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Ian Williams — May 24, 2023

Russia’s Missile Plan

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Tom Karako — October 21, 2022

North Korea's Missile Threat - The Truth of the Matter Crossover Episode

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and H. Andrew Schwartz — June 30, 2022

North Korea’s Missile Threat

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Victor Cha — June 30, 2022

Past Events

Video On Demand

Missile Defense at 40

Hosted by Missile Defense Project

March 24, 2023 • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm EDT

Video On Demand

U.S. Missile Defense & Extended Deterrence: Capital Cable #67

Hosted by Korea Chair

March 23, 2023 • 9:30 – 10:15 am EDT

Video On Demand

Book Event - The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink

Hosted by Missile Defense Project

February 24, 2023 • 10:00 – 11:15 am EST

Video On Demand

The Capital Cable #64: U.S. Extended Deterrence

Hosted by Korea Chair

February 9, 2023 • 8:45 – 9:30 am EST

Video On Demand

The Capital Cable #63: North Korea in 2023

Hosted by Korea Chair

January 26, 2023 • 9:30 – 10:15 am EST

Video On Demand

CSIS Commission Report on North Korea Policy & Extended Deterrence

Hosted by Korea Chair

January 19, 2023 • 10:00 – 11:00 am EST

THAAD and Aegis Ashore missile defense systems in Deveselu, Romania.

Video On Demand

The 2022 Missile Defense Review

Hosted by Missile Defense Project

November 4, 2022 • 1:00 – 2:15 pm EDT

Four U.S. F-16 fighting falcons fly in formation with two Canadian CF-188 Hornets over the skies of Labrador, Canada, Sept. 20, 2020. The aircraft participated in a North American Aerospace Defense Command Arctic Air Defense Operation.

Video On Demand

Homeland Cruise Missile Defense

Hosted by Missile Defense Project

July 14, 2022 • 11:15 am – 3:45 pm EDT

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Related Programs

Experts

Tom Karako

Senior Fellow, International Security Program and Director, Missile Defense Project

Ian Williams

Fellow, International Security Program and Deputy Director, Missile Defense Project

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Seeking Alignment: Missile Defense and Defeat in the 2022 Budget

The Pentagon’s 2022 budget request seeks, but does not yet achieve, the necessary alignment of missile defense and defeat investments to support long-term strategic competition.

Brief by Wes Rumbaugh and Tom Karako — December 10, 2021

Eyes Everywhere: Intelligence and Strategic Decisionmaking in the Gray Zone

The United States must improve its ability to counter the kind of “gray zone” tactics favored by China and Russia. A recent CSIS tabletop exercise gave some insight into how Washington can improve its competitive edge.

Commentary by Ian Williams — November 23, 2021

Iran’s Evolving Nuclear Program and Implications for U.S. Policy

Iran’s nuclear program isn’t what it used to be. Here's why that matters for efforts to salvage the JCPOA and any “Plan B.”

Report by Eric Brewer — October 15, 2021

U.S. Military Forces in FY 2022: Peering into the Abyss—The Budget and Strategy Overview

CSIS produces a series of papers on US military forces, including their composition, new initiatives, long-term trends, and challenges. In FY 2022, military forces are “peering into the abyss,” as constrained budgets and strategy changes push the services to cut forces.

Report by Mark F. Cancian — October 12, 2021

What is the Significance of North Korea’s Rail-mobile Ballistic Missile Launcher?

While North Korea’s public demonstration of a rail-mobile missile launch platform earlier this month may have caught some by surprise, the country’s interest in developing such a capability reports back several decades.

Newsletter by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — September 29, 2021

Extending the Horizon: Elevated Sensors for Targeting and Missile Defense

Elevated platforms on a variety of platforms can supplement the current foundation of terrestrial sensors and help solve the Department of Defense's air and missile defense and strike targeting challenges.

Brief by Wes Rumbaugh and Tom Karako — September 27, 2021