ASCENT PHASE MISSILE DEFENSE STRATEGY AND PLAN.

SEC. 238. ASCENT PHASE MISSILE DEFENSE STRATEGY AND PLAN.(a) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing a strategy and plan for ascent phase missile defense.123 STAT. 2237(b) Matters Included.—The report required by subsection (a) shall include each of the following:(1) A description of the programs and activities, as of the date of the submission of the report, contained in the program of record of the Missile Defense Agency that provide or are planned to provide a capability to intercept ballistic missiles in their ascent phase.(2) A description of the capabilities that are needed to accomplish the intercept of ballistic missiles in their ascent phase, including—(A) the key technologies and associated technology readiness levels, plans for maturing such technologies, and any technology demonstrations for such capabilities;(B) concepts of operation for how ascent phase capabilities would be employed, including the dependence of such capabilities on, and integration with, other functions, capabilities, and information, including those provided by other elements of the ballistic missile defense system;(C) the criteria to be used to assess the technical progress, suitability, and effectiveness of such capabilities;(D) a comprehensive plan for development of and investment in such capabilities, including an identification of specific program and technology investments to be made in such capabilities;(E) a description of how, and to what extent, ascent phase missile defense can leverage the capabilities and investments made in boost phase, midcourse, and any other layer or elements of the ballistic missile defense system;(F) a description of the benefits and limitations associated with ascent phase missile defense; and(G) any other information the Secretary determines necessary.(c) Form.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.