U.S. Army's Air Defense Focus Shifts

The U.S. Army is reshaping its air and missile defence priorities to address the proliferation of drone swarms, cruise missiles, and hypersonic threats alongside traditional ballistic missile defence. Investment is shifting toward lower-tier, high-volume intercept solutions and directed energy systems to reduce cost-per-kill ratios. Programmes under review include Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense, Iron Dome alternatives, and next-generation interceptor families. The strategic shift reflects operational lessons from Ukraine and Middle East conflicts.