Peterson Air Force Base - Missile Warning

Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites and their associated ground systems and personnel support the space–based early warning system. As the first system to detect missile launches, DSP satellites are critical sensors in the United States' and Canada's early warning system. DSP squadrons send crucial missile and space launch detection and nuclear detonation reports to NORAD and U.S. Strategic Command command centers at Cheyenne Mountain AFS.

Members of the 21 SW operate and maintain a complex system of U.S. and foreign–based radars that detect and track ballistic missile launches, launches of new space systems, and provide data on foreign ballistic missile events.

Today, ballistic missile warning is critically important to U.S. military forces. At least 20 nations currently have nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, and the technology to deliver them over long distances. According to intelligence estimates, during the next 10 years, several Third World countries will develop the technology and capability to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles at the United States.

The 21st Operations Group manages all operation units in the 21st Space Wing.

MISSILE WARNING (space based, ground based)

The 21 OG provides space–based missile warning data, serving as a focal point for transition to the Space–Based Infrared Satellite system, and providing space communication data and relay.

21 OG space-based missile warning units:

The 2nd Space Warning Squadron, Buckley AFB, CO., controls, receives, processes and reports DSP mission information.

The 11 SWS, Schriever AFB, Colo., reached initial operational capability in March 1995. The squadron uses data from DSP satellites as part of the Attack and Launch Early Reporting to Theater, or ALERT, system to provide in-theater warning of tactical missiles and other threats in direct support of warfighters worldwide. It is the first operational missile warning unit to use technologies and procedures developed directly from the lessons of Desert Storm. The squadron provides near instantaneous accurate warning information on short–range ballistic missile launches.

The 137th Space Warning Squadron, Greeley, Colo., is a Colorado National Guard asset that provides mobile DSP missile warning and reporting.

21 OG ground-based missile warning units

The wing's ground–based radars are comprised of a sea–launched ballistic missile, or SLBM, warning system—PAVE PAWS; a Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, or BMEWS; and a Perimeter Attack Radar Characterization System, or PARCS.

SLBM warning units are the 6th SWS, Cape Cod AFS, Mass., and the 7th SWS, Beale AFB, Calif. Their mission is mainly to watch America's coasts for incoming sea–launched or intercontinental ballistic missiles, and warn the appropriate authorities.

The wing's two BMEWS radar units are the 12th SWS, Thule AB, and the 13th SWS at Clear AFS. The 21st SW also has a detachment at RAF Fylingdales, U.K., to coordinate cooperative missile warning and space surveillance with RAF counterparts.

The wing's PARCS unit is the 10th SWS, Cavalier AFS, N.D.

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