The U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) has significantly broadened its responsibilities in homeland air and missile defense. This expansion, announced during the AUSA 2025 conference, aligns with the establishment of the Army’s new Western Hemisphere Command. According to Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, head of SMDC, the command will now oversee a comprehensive approach to air and missile defense, which includes threats such as drones.
In a conversation with Breaking Defense, Gainey stated, “We did grow in responsibility.” The command’s traditional role focused on ground-based midcourse defense under NORTHCOM, but it has now evolved to encompass a wider spectrum of air and missile defense initiatives. As part of this change, SMDC has received enhanced organizational support, incorporating the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command and the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, both previously aligned with U.S. Central Command.
“This means our role changes from GMD [ground-based midcourse defense] to AMD [air and missile defense],” Gainey elaborated. With this shift, SMDC is now tasked with defending the homeland and planning operations for critical areas, such as the National Capital Region. “We inherit that responsibility,” he said, highlighting the importance of the command’s expanded mission.
The transition comes as part of a broader Army initiative to create the Western Hemisphere Command, which will integrate Army North Command, Army South Command, and FORSCOM (Force Command). This restructuring is anticipated to enhance the Army’s focus on homeland defense within the upcoming National Defense Strategy, which is expected to emphasize a more comprehensive approach known as the Golden Dome strategy.
As the Army moves forward, it has finalized its new Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Strategy 2040, currently awaiting approval from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Secretary Dan Driscoll. Gainey mentioned, “It’s right now going through final staffing,” with plans to release the document in November 2023.
The AMD Strategy 2040 incorporates valuable lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, focusing on an evolving threat landscape that includes an increasing number of drone incidents. Gainey explained, “It’s now more of an architecture approach where you have several systems with the ability to sense and engage several different places.” This shift reflects the Army’s recognition that future threats will not be limited to traditional missile attacks but will require a multifaceted defensive posture.
“Moving forward, you’re going to face a combination of tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drone threats simultaneously,” he added. As a result, the Army is adopting a system of systems approach, emphasizing the need for integrated defense capabilities rather than relying on isolated systems.
This strategic expansion of the Space and Missile Defense Command marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. Army as it adapts to meet the challenges of modern warfare and enhances its commitment to protecting the homeland.