Central ND News

Missile defense is crucial for deterring and defeating threats against the United States, its allies, and American military forces abroad. In January, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to create a missile defense system akin to Israel's Iron Dome. This order mandates the development of a "next-generation missile defense shield" to protect against various aerial attacks.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, alongside Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), introduced the Increasing Response Options and Deterrence of Missile Engagements (IRON DOME) Act. The legislation aims to enhance U.S. missile defense capabilities.

A key aspect of the bill is the modernization of the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) at North Dakota’s Cavalier Space Force Station. PARCS is vital for tracking earth-orbiting objects and improving detection of missile threats.

Senator Cramer emphasized, “Now more than ever, we have to ensure the United States is properly equipped to address the pressing threats that are posed by our very capable adversaries,” adding that modernization will help prevent surprise attacks on U.S. soil.

Senator Sullivan noted past efforts in strengthening missile defenses but highlighted new challenges: “We’ve made significant progress in recent years... But the proliferation of new hypersonic and cruise missile threats from our adversaries demands that we change this paradigm." He urged support for legislation aimed at building a comprehensive homeland missile defense system.

The IRON DOME Act aligns with President Trump's executive order and incorporates recommendations from the 2022 Missile Defense Review. It proposes substantial investments in new technologies and infrastructure improvements across various states including Alaska and North Dakota.