Theater Missile Defense Improvement Act of 1998 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 1998 for defense-wide research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), as specified, for: (1) the Joint Composite Tracking Network program; (2) testing, development of the remote launch capability, and production rate enhancements of the Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missile defense system; (3) Navy Area Defense System testing; (4) SHIELD system element integration; and (5) Israeli Arrow tactical ballistic missile defense system integration with U.S. theater missile defense systems. Directs the Secretary of Defense to identify other actions that could be taken to counter threats posed by the development or acquisition by Iran or other nations of medium-range ballistic missiles. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of such funds and additional actions taken under this Act. Provides an offsetting reduction in amounts provided under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 for DOD RDT&E, to be achieved through savings from the DOD use of: (1) advisory and assistance services; and (2) defense federally funded research and development centers.
Editorial Explainer
Authorizes $10 million to integrate Israel's Arrow missile defense system with US theater missile defense capabilities and directs the Secretary of Defense to explore additional cooperative defense measures with Israel's Ministry of Defense. Funds are offset by cuts to advisory services and research center spending within the broader defense research budget.
Why it matters
This embeds US-Israel defense cooperation into federal law by funding joint missile defense integration and requiring the Pentagon to identify further cooperative actions. The classification reflects the bill's explicit dual-use language: countering Iranian ballistic missile threats while establishing structural cooperation with Israeli military systems.