Better Management of Threat Simulators and Aerial Targets Is Crucial to Effective Weapon Systems Performance

GAO reported on the Department of Defense's (DOD) capability to test its weapon systems. Specifically, GAO focused on the adequacy of aerial targets and on testing against two of the more significant threats to the military services: (1) the newer Soviet aircraft and missile systems; and (2) the Soviet's considerable capabilities in electronic warfare.

GAO found that important weapons will be deployed without their having fully demonstrated their capabilities under representative combat conditions, because development of electronic warfare threat simulators and aerial targets have not kept pace with the deployment of the enemy's weapons. Realistic testing requires test resources that duplicate the characteristics of the enemy's weapon systems. GAO noted that the shortcomings in testing have been primarily caused by problems in four areas: test resource planning, organizational structures, management emphasis, and intelligence support. GAO believes that, although resolving issues in these areas will not solve all testing problems, it will ultimately result in better tested and more effective weapons for DOD fighting forces.

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.

Director: Paul F. Math Team: General Accounting Office: National Security and International Affairs Division Phone: (202) 512-4587