The existing Air Defense Battalions in the National Guard operate using Avenger Systems, initially fielded in 1989. These platforms will reach end-of-life in 2031 after several extensions. The planned funding for support to Avenger ends in approximately 2027/2028.

Current modernization plans only call for the transformation of one Avenger Short Range Air Defense Battalion to M-SHORAD, a Stryker based air defense platform, in support of the National Guard penetration division (34th ID). No other Divisions in the National Guard will receive modernized air defense Battalions based on published plans. This will leave the Air Defense in the National Guard irrelevant and ineffective against modern adversaries.

The current Avenger platform, mounted on an HMMWV, struggles to work alongside modern maneuver forces in support of Brigade Combat Teams. It also lacks the technology to engage evolving threats (Cruise Missiles) that IFPC-Increment 2 possesses. Modernizing the Avenger to either of those platforms increases the ability of National Guard Air Defense Battalions to provide protection for both Maneuver Forces as well as Division and Corps headquarters elements.

Failing to modernize the remaining 6 Air Defense Battalions in the National Guard does not align with the NGAUS Joint Priority #2 of Deployable and Interoperable Force Structure, nor does it align with NGAUS Army Priority #1 of Concurrent and Proportional Fielding of Equipment.