// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

GMD

GMD stands for Ground-based Midcourse Defense, which is the United States' primary system designed to protect against intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) attacks by intercepting them in space.

GMD — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) is a strategic ballistic missile defense system operated by the United States that uses ground-based interceptors (GBIs) to detect, track, and destroy incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) during their midcourse flight phase, before re-entry.

BACKGROUND

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD), previously National Missile Defense (NMD), is an anti-ballistic missile system implemented by the United States of America for defense against ballistic missiles, during the midcourse phase of ballistic trajectory flight. It is a major component of the American missile defense strategy to counter ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) carrying nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Ground-based Midcourse Defense
  • US Missile Defense System (strategic)
  • ICBM Interceptor System
  • BMDS GMD component

USAGE NOTE

GMD is the most critical component of the US Ballistic Missile Defense System for homeland defense against long-range threats.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to GMD.

  • Boeing

    Prime contractor for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, responsible for system integration, development, and sustainment of the interceptor missiles and associated infrastructure.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    Develops critical components of the GMD system, including the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) for the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) and is a prime contractor for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI). Also involved in GMD radars.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Involved in various aspects of the GMD system, including components of the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI), battle management command and control systems (C2BMC), and is a prime contractor for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).

  • Lockheed Martin

    A major defense contractor involved in various missile defense programs, including contributions to GMD-related technologies, future interceptor development (like NGI), and overall missile defense architecture.

  • Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

    A U.S. Department of Defense agency responsible for developing, testing, and fielding a layered missile defense system to protect the United States and its allies, including the GMD system.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    Through its acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris Technologies provides the propulsion systems for the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) missiles, a crucial component of the GMD system.

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