‘Left of launch’ becomes central focus in next-generation missile defense

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Even with dozens or hundreds of sensor satellites in orbit to spot incoming weapons, U.S. military leaders say defending against the most advanced missile threats will require capabilities to disrupt these attacks “left of launch.”

This has emerged as a key focus in efforts to defend the U.S. homeland and military forces overseas against new classes of missiles the Pentagon sees adversaries developing. “Left of launch” refers to measures aimed at preventing or delaying missile launches, rather than solely relying on interceptors to destroy them in flight, a more traditional “right of launch” approach.

Speaking Sept. 24 at the Air Space & Cyber conference, Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, said missiles being developed by China, Russia and other