In a few short paragraphs, tacked onto the tail end of an appeal for popular support for the modernization of America's nuclear forces, however, Mr. Reagan launched what came to be known as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) -- and forever changed the debate about how to provide for this nation's security.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Reagan's vision

The Airborne Laser program is a direct descendent of Ronald Reagan's visionary Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), with its exploration of various means of intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles - including lasers and other "directed energy" techniques.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Why not the best?