ICBM Modernization

To counter Soviet nuclear advances, a long-standing U.S. national defense goal has been intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) modernization. One such modernization initiative is the Small ICBM program, which rests on the belief that a small ICBM would provide greater flexibility in developing basing concepts to enhance ICBM survivability. The Defense Department's plans for deploying the system are uncertain at this time and unresolved issues remain concerning the system configuration, acquisition costs, and deployment milestones. Until DOD provides updated direction, program funding needs are uncertain. Questions also remain concerning (1) the missile's ability to effectively damage hardened facilities and cover the designated target base and (2) the visibility of the missile design and the availability of parts for several missile components and the warhead. While the Air Force is confident of meeting these needs, it is not providing enough information in its reports to Congress to permit meaningful oversight.

GAO found that: (1) although DOD anticipated deploying the Small ICBM weapon system in 1997, it is reconsidering that goal due to changes in the international environment, the reduced threat in a post-Strategic Arms Reduction Talks environment, and the high cost to procure and operate mobile ICBM; (2) although the DOD ICBM budget for fiscal years 1992 through 1997 will not support achievement of initial deployment in 1997, DOD stated that it is proceeding with ICBM development to provide a possible replacement for another missile, provide a survivable basing option for ICBM, and protect an option for basing ICBM; (3) until DOD provides updated direction, program funding needs are uncertain; (4) although DOD has made progress in developing ICBM, such unresolved issues remained as the missile's capability, viability of the missile's design, and availability of parts; (5) the Air Force failed to provide sufficient information to Congress in its ICBM selected acquisition report regarding information on the status of weapon system acquisitions to permit meaningful congressional oversight; and (6) DOD anticipates deploying ICBM with most of the design improvements in 1993.

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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