Aegis BMD's mission is to deliver an enduring, operationally effective, supportable and integrated ballistic missile defense capability in Aegis cruisers and destroyers, in defense of the U.S., deployed forces, allies and friends; to increase the effectiveness of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) by contributing to the synergy with other BMDS elements; and to incrementally increase this capability by delivering evolutionary spiral upgrades as part of BMDS development. Since 2004, the operational Aegis BMD Weapon System has included an engagement capability against regional ballistic missile threats providing the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) with its first mobile, global, deployable and proven capability that can destroy ballistic missiles above the atmosphere. The Aegis BMD system integrates with other parts of the BMDS, receiving and providing track information to expand battlespace and improve effectiveness.

Installation, equipping and crew training is ongoing. The initial stage has been to outfit 18 Aegis ships with the capability, fifteen destroyers and three cruisers. Sixteen of these were in the Pacific and two in the Atlantic.

In response to the increased demand for Aegis BMD capability from the operational forces (Central and Europe Commands), the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the U.S. Navy have commenced a joint initiative to increase the number of Aegis BMD Atlantic Fleet ships to five by January 2010. In response to the Combat Commanders' demand, Secretary of Defense added funds to modify six more Aegis ships to conduct BMD operations in the defense budget, thus bringing the near-term level to 11 equipped ships in the Atlantic and 16 in the Pacific. The Navy's Modernization Program will add even more BMD capable ships starting in the next few years.

Yes. Japan first purchased the Aegis BMD system in 2003. Presently, all four of Japan's KONGO Class Destroyers will be upgraded with the Aegis BMD Weapon System and SM-3 missiles. Two installations have been completed and the remaining installations are scheduled through 2010.

Foreign Military Sales rules require the allied international customers to pay the full cost of the items procured. An increase in procurement quantities would ultimately lower unit production costs and benefit the U.S. government.