The Defense Department on Friday began its Ballistic Missile Defense Review, an in-depth study of ways to strengthen homeland defense. The review, which comes at a time when North Korea is repeatedly testing ballistic missiles and challenging US interests in the Pacific, will focus on strengthening missile-defense capabilities and providing policy framework, according to a Pentagon release. Like the recently announced Nuclear Posture Review, the Ballistic Missile Defense Review will also be led by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Paul Selva and Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work. A final report is expected by the end of the year.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.