The National Missile Defense or NMD Program will develop, demonstrate and, if directed, deploy an initial system capable of protecting the U.S. against a limited strategic ballistic missile attack.

Forward momentum of the Program hinges on three issues.

The first is funding. The currently proposed defense budget includes an additional $6.6 billion dollars for the development of the NMD program and deployment.

Deployment is the second issue.

Should a deployment decision be made in Fiscal Year 2000, we look forward to fielding the system in Fiscal Year 2005.

If the National Leadership decides to deploy, site construction will begin in fiscal year 2001. This construction includes building the radar sites, interceptor sites, and "Battle Management Command, Control and Communications" infrastructure.

Upgrading of existing Early Warning Radar Systems also will begin in 2001.

Based on results of critical integrated flight tests, weapon production can begin in fiscal year 2003 with a projected system deployment date of fiscal year 2005.

The third issue that affects the NMD program is diplomatic measures. While the NMD development program is consistent with the terms of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, deployment may require modifications to the Treaty. The Administration is working to determine the nature and scope of these modifications. If amending the Treaty is necessary, DoD will work with the Congress to do so.