Indecision and Uncertainty Exist in the Development of an Advanced ICBM Weapon System

The Air Force is developing an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system with improved survivability, better accuracy, and greater payload. Such a system is needed because the Soviet Union is making similar strides in the development of its missile force and in the invulnerability of its missile silos against attack. There is no clearly defined national policy regarding the role of the ICBM force, so the Air Force is uncertain what capabilities to stress and is conducting studies to establish the future role of the ICBM force.

Three types of missile configuration were considered during validation, including land- and submarine-based operations. The Air Force has concentrated on developing and evaluating technologies as applied to the MX missile, which is preferred by the Air Force. The Defense System Acquisition Council agreed as to the need for an improved ICBM system but questioned means of conforming such a system to provisions of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) and directed the Air Force to define other basing options while continuing development of the MX missile. Full-scale engineering development was postponed, an appropriate step in view of the uncertainty about the future of the missile force, poor definition of performance expectations, inadequate knowledge of technological cost and feasibility, and continuing disagreement over the most desirable basing mode for ensuring survivability.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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