The National Missile Defense or NMD Program will develop, demonstrate and, if directed, deploy an initial system capable of protecting the U.S. against a limited strategic ballistic missile attack. Forward momentum of the Program hinges on three issues. The first is funding.
Deployment is the second issue.
Should a deployment decision be made in Fiscal Year 2000, we look forward to fielding the system in Fiscal Year 2005. If the National Leadership decides to deploy, site construction will begin in fiscal year 2001. Upgrading of existing Early Warning Radar Systems also will begin in 2001. Based on results of critical integrated flight tests, weapon production can begin in fiscal year 2003 with a projected system deployment date of fiscal year 2005. The third issue that affects the NMD program is diplomatic measures.