Missile Defense

As hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aircraft systems become increasingly common on the battlefield, focusing on the full spectrum of missile threats is crucial, especially as the missile threat from China and Russia grows. CSIS research seeks innovative means to counter the full spectrum of global missile threats.

Photo: Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Photo: Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Depleting Missile Defense Interceptor Inventory

The proliferation of missile threats has made air and missile defense interceptors the table stakes for entry into future conflicts, forcing the Department of Defense to either ante up and buy the necessary interceptors, or fold on its regional interests and bear the consequences.

Brief by Wes Rumbaugh — December 5, 2025

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Tom Karako

Tom Karako

Director, Missile Defense Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department

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U.S.-UK Strategic Cooperation

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on recent developments in U.S.-UK strategic cooperation. 

Event — July 30, 2025

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

Trump Sends Weapons to Ukraine: By the Numbers

Since President Trump took office, military aid to Ukraine has been on and off, then partially on, then on again, and then increased further. A series of visuals explains the history, the status of aid deliveries, and the recent U.S.-NATO deal.

Critical Questions by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — July 15, 2025

High-Altitude Nuclear Explosions: Myths and Reality

What would happen if a nuclear weapon detonated in the sky, not on the ground? Would there be survivors? Would your iPhone work? This briefing dispels common misconceptions about high-altitude nuclear explosions and summarizes the current state of research on the subject.

Brief by Scott Pence and Adam F. Reynolds — July 14, 2025

Out-Adapting the Enemy: Why Mass Alone Won’t Win Tomorrow’s Wars

Tomorrow’s victory depends less on outbuilding the enemy and more on out-adapting them. The future Army should empower soldiers to tinker, test, and tailor tech on the fly, making battlefield adaptation—not mass—the key to military advantage.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen — July 11, 2025

Innovate or Die: The Army Transformation Initiative and the Future of Allied Land Warfare

Russia is adapting fast from wars in Ukraine, Israel, and Iran. NATO must act now or risk battlefield irrelevance. The U.S. Army’s Transformation Initiative should lead in reform, experimentation, and joint action to prepare allied forces for the fight ahead.

Commentary by Maj. Gen. Matthew Van Wagenen, Col. Arnel P. David, and Benjamin Jensen — July 10, 2025