ABL RDT&E projected at $2.5 billion in SAR

The Airborne Laser, a tactical missile defense system that mounts a laser on a militarized Boeing 747 jetliner, has passed its Milestone 2 requirement and is estimated to cost $2.5 billion through the research, development, test, and evaluation phase, according to the latest Selected Acquisition Report released by DOD. The program is one of 71 major DOD efforts in various stages of research and procurement at a total projected cost of $705 billion. Any program experiencing significant changes must be reported to Congress each quarter under the process. Because it is a new program, the Airborne Laser was reported for the first time. Other programs experiencing such changes included the Navy`s Cooperative Engagement Capability, which was up from $2.6 billion to $3 billion due to an increase in the procurement quantity from 72 to 94 units and two additional years of procurement; and the Air Force`s Space-Based Infrared System, up from $2.6 billion to $3 billion due to a program stretchout. - J.R.