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Cost overruns lead USA Air Force to weaken requirements for future missile alert system

Budget Busters: The USA’s SBIRS-High Missile Warning Satellites https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/despite-problems-sbirs-high-moves-ahead-with-3rd-satellite-award-05467/ Jan 19, 2015  by Defense Industry Daily staff  SBIRS early warning satellite: As part of its effort to institute cost reforms, the U.S. Air Force will weaken requirements  for the space-based infrared system (SIBRS), among others. The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS)-High satellite program is a key component of the USA’s future missile alert system, designed to give maximum warning and monitoring of ballistic missile launches anywhere in the world. The new satellites will replace the existing Defense Support Program (DSP) fleet. Their infrared sensors have 3x the sensitivity of DSP and 2x the revisit rate, while providing better persistent coverage.

Unfortunately, the program has been beset by massive cost overruns on the order of 400%, technical challenges that continue to present problems, and uncertainties about performance. Despite these problems, the U.S. Air Force is proceeding with the program, and has terminated potential alternatives and supplements. However, as part of a January 2015 effort to institute cost reforms, the Air Force will weaken requirements  for the program, and at least three other major procurement programs.

January 20, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | USA, weapons and war