missile warning

    From Joint Publication 3-14, Space Operations, 10 April 2018:

8. Missile Warning

    a. The missile warning mission uses a mix of space-based and terrestrial sensors. Missile warning supports the warning mission executed by North American Aerospace Defense Command to notify national leaders of a missile attack against North America, as well as attacks against multinational partners (via shared early warning [SEW]) in other geographic regions. It also includes notification to geographic CCMDs, multinational partners, and forward-deployed personnel of missile attack, and the assessment of a missile attack if the applicable CCMD or multinational partner is unable to do so. Collectively, space-based sensors provide continuous coverage of all CCMD areas of responsibility (AORs). These persistent, overhead satellite sensors are linked via multiple missile warning/defense data processing and dissemination systems to CCDRs and subordinate forces. This theater system takes advantage of direct downlinks, key protected SATCOM, and tactical communications systems. The theater-event system architecture enables rapid dissemination of missile-event warning messages to warfighters, thereby enabling effective passive defense, active defense, and offensive operations.

    b. Space-based sensors, such as Defense Support Program, Space-Based Infrared System, and IC sensors, usually provide the first indication of a missile launch. Ground-based radars provide follow-on information on launches and confirmation of strategic attack. These ground-based radar systems include the following: Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, Perimeter Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System, and the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System. Upgraded early warning radars are multi-mission radars supporting the missile warning, space surveillance, and missile defense missions. There is no room for error in missile warning; therefore, all information provided must be timely, accurate, and unambiguous.

For information on performance criteria for missile warning, see Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 6210.02, (U) Information and Operational Architecture of the Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment System.

—Joint Publication 3-14, Space Operations, 10 April 2018

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