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Summary:
The September 11th attacks have drawn attention to U.S. air defense, and the 9/11
Commission Report has specifically recommended that Congress regularly assess the
ability of Northern Command to defend the United States against military threats.
Protecting U.S. airspace may require improvements in detecting aircraft and cruise
missiles, making quick operational decisions, and intercepting them. A number of
options exist in each of these areas. A variety of issues must be weighed including
expediency, cost, and minimizing conflicts with civilian aviation. This report will be
updated.
