The Latest: Trump calls for expanded missile defence program

WASHINGTON – The Latest on the Trump administration’s missile defence strategy (all times local):

11:40 a.m.

President Donald Trump is calling for an expanded missile defence program to better protect the United States.

During an appearance at the Pentagon, he says “our goal is simple: that we can detect and destroy” any incoming missile.

Part of the new strategy is to create a level of sensors in space.

The president says that America’s adversaries are “increasing their lethal strike capabilities” and that his “first duty is defence of our country.”

The administration’s Missile Defence Review is the first such program since 2010. The strategy pushes for studies. No testing is mandated, and no final decisions have been made.

The goal is to better defend the U.S. against potential adversaries who are developing and fielding a much more expansive range of advanced offensive missiles.

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12:10 a.m.

The Trump administration is calling for expanding defence technologies in space to better protect the U.S.

A new strategy says a layer of sensors in space must quickly detect, track and ultimately defeat incoming missiles.

Details about the administration’s Missile Defence Review are expected to be released during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Pentagon. It’s the first such review since 2010.

The strategy pushes for studies. No testing is mandated, and no final decisions have been made.

The goal is to better defend the U.S. against potential adversaries who are developing and fielding a much more expansive range of advanced offensive missiles.