Draft legislation would require feasibility of integrated, multinational capability to counter Iran

The Defense Department would be required to draft a report on the feasibility of fashioning a multinational, integrated air and missile defense system to counter Iran with the aim of connecting the capabilities of at least 10 nations across the Middle East into a cohesive architecture.

The Senate Armed Services Committee, in its mark of the fiscal year 2023 defense policy bill, includes a provision that would require a Pentagon study that aimed to foster a unified regional missile defense capability.

“The committee recommends a provision that would require the secretary of defense to undertake a strategy for improved integrated air and missile defense cooperation between the United States, countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and other Middle Eastern allies and partners as needed to counter threats from Iran and Iranian-linked groups,” states a report accompanying the bill. “The provision would also direct the secretary of defense to undertake a cost feasibility study for such purposes.”

If adopted, the provision would require the study be provided to Congress 180 days after enactment.

Member states of the GCC are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.