The Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) mission is to develop, test, and field an integrated, layered, ballistic missile defense system (BMDS) to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies, and friends against all ranges of enemy ballistic missiles in all phases of flight.

National Missile Defense Act

It is the policy of the United States to deploy, as soon as is technologically possible, an effective National Missile Defense system capable of defending the territory of the United States against limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate) with funding subject to the annual authorization of appropriations and the annual appropriation of funds for National Missile Defense.
National Missile Defense Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-38 signed by President Clinton)

MDA Strategic Goals

In order to achieve our mission, the MDA is dedicated to the following goals:

1. Support the warfighter.
2. Prove the power of missile defense through testing.
3. Continue development and fielding of the integrated Ballistic Missile Defense System for homeland and regional defense.
4. Team approach to agency operations.
5. Optimize available resources.
6. Inspire professional excellence.
7. Foster a supportive environment for a diverse and professional workforce.
8. Implement National Security Strategy through international cooperation in missile defense.
9. Capitalize on the creativity and innovation of the nation's universities and small business community.

Core Values

Our core values define the MDA culture and set the tone for our workforce:

1. Respect: Mutual for each other with dignity
2. Teamwork: We accomplish more helping each other than as individuals
3. Dedication: To our nation and our missile defense mission
4. Integrity: In all things, all the time
5. Professionalism: Strive for it in all you do