The Missile Defense Agency has awarded Boeing a $241.7 million Airborne Laser contract modification to cover cost increases "for the laser, beam control and integration and test efforts," according to a Defense Department announcement issued today. In April, MDA Director Lt. Gen. Ronald Kadish told the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee that ABL program costs could run 15 percent to 20 percent above current estimates, noting that the agency is "right on the edge" of proving whether the revolutionary technology can...