The Iron Dome for America
January 27, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Address the catastrophic threat of advanced aerial attacks—including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles—and modernize U.S. missile defense capabilities.
- Policy Objectives:
- Deploy and maintain a next-generation missile defense shield for the common defense.
- Deterrence and defense against foreign aerial attacks on the Homeland.
- Guarantee a secure second-strike capability.
- Implementation Directive:
- Within 60 days, the Secretary of Defense must submit a comprehensive reference architecture and implementation plan for the missile defense shield.
- Plan to include defense against diverse aerial threats, acceleration of space sensor deployment, development of space-based interceptors, and enhancement of underlayer/terminal-phase intercept capabilities.
- Ensure a secure supply chain and integrate non-kinetic capabilities.
- Review relevant DoD authorities and organizational structures for rapid capability deployment, with an accompanying funding plan coordinated with the Office of Management and Budget for FY2026 consideration.
- Provide an updated strategic threat assessment and designate prioritized defense locations for nuclear countervalue attacks.
- Allied and Theater Missile Defense Review:
- Enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation on missile defense technology and operations.
- Improve theater missile defenses for forward-deployed U.S. troops and allied territories.
- Accelerate provision of U.S. missile defense capabilities to allies and partners.
- General Provisions:
- Clarify that the order does not impair existing executive department or agency authorities or the functions of the Office of Management and Budget.
- Implementation is subject to applicable law and appropriations.
- No party has enforceable rights or benefits under this order against the United States.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order on “The Iron Dome for America” emphasizes the development and deployment of a next-generation missile defense shield. This could lead to increased federal focus and funding on defense technologies, potentially diverting resources from other areas such as education and research.
- There is a risk that heightened defense measures could lead to geopolitical tensions, which might impact international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University maintains, particularly those involving research and student exchanges.
- The focus on advanced defense technologies may create opportunities for research and development in related fields, such as engineering and computer science, but could also necessitate compliance with stricter security and export control regulations.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in national defense priorities could affect its strategic planning, particularly in terms of research funding and collaboration with federal agencies.
Impacted Programs
- School of Engineering at Vanderbilt may see increased demand for expertise in missile defense technologies, potentially leading to new research opportunities and partnerships with defense agencies.
- Vanderbilt’s International Programs might need to reassess partnerships with institutions in countries affected by changes in U.S. defense policies, ensuring compliance with new regulations and maintaining diplomatic relations.
- The Office of Research could play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of defense-related research funding and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Vanderbilt’s collaborations with federal agencies for research and development may need to be reevaluated to align with the new defense priorities and funding opportunities.
Financial Impact
- The reallocation of federal funds towards missile defense initiatives could impact the funding landscape for higher education, potentially leading to reduced financial support for non-defense-related research and development.
- Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize defense technologies. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in defense-related fields, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
- As defense priorities shift, there could be a change in the demographics of students and researchers interested in defense-related fields, potentially affecting enrollment and research focus areas.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, with potential impacts on research funding and international collaborations.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Engineering and Technology Departments should explore research opportunities in missile defense technologies, particularly in areas such as hypersonic and ballistic tracking, space-based interceptors, and non-kinetic capabilities. Collaborating with defense agencies could lead to significant advancements and funding opportunities.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in defense policy and funding to identify potential partnerships or grants that align with Vanderbilt’s research capabilities. Engaging with the Department of Defense and other relevant agencies could position Vanderbilt as a key player in national defense research initiatives.
- Vanderbilt’s Political Science and International Relations Departments should analyze the geopolitical implications of the executive order, focusing on how increased missile defense capabilities might affect international relations and security dynamics. This research could inform policy recommendations and enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in global security issues.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to engage in interdisciplinary projects that address the technological and strategic challenges of next-generation missile defense. By leveraging expertise across engineering, technology, and policy, Vanderbilt can contribute to innovative solutions and influence defense strategies.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on allied and theater missile defense by developing programs that foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Hosting conferences and workshops with global defense experts could enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation and expand its network in the defense sector.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order suggests some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with potential research and collaboration opportunities in defense technologies.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Within 60 days of January 27, 2025
Relevance Score: 3
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Defense (DoD): Tasked with developing the next-generation missile defense shield and directing a review of theater missile defense posture, the DoD is the principal agency responsible for implementing this directive.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Collaborates with the DoD to provide a funding plan for the missile defense initiative for inclusion in the FY 2026 Budget.
- United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM): Works with other agencies to provide assessments of strategic missile threats and help define defense priorities against nuclear attacks.
- United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM): Partners with STRATCOM to prioritize and defend key locations against missile threats targeting the Homeland.
Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of Federal Agencies are impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Defense – Tasked with submitting the reference architecture, initiating reviews of DoD authorities, and directing theater missile defense posture evaluations.
- Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Required to jointly submit a funding plan with the Secretary of Defense.
- United States Strategic Command – Expected to cooperate in providing an updated strategic missile threat assessment to the President.
- United States Northern Command – Also involved in submitting an updated assessment of the strategic missile threat and identifying defense locations.
Relevance Score: 5 (Impacts Cabinet-level officials and high-level military commands with substantial national security responsibilities).