Combat Air Power:

Funding Priority for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses May Be Too Low

NSIAD-96-128, Apr 10, 1996

Contact:

Louis J. Rodrigues
(202) 512-4841
contact@gao.gov

 

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

GAO provided information on the Department of Defense's (DOD) requirements, capabilities, and plans for conducting the suppression of enemy air defenses mission (SEAD).

GAO found that: (1) since the Vietnam War, DOD has recognized that SEAD is a critical component of air operations, and it used extensive SEAD support during the Persian Gulf War; (2) SEAD is expected to remain a critical component of air combat capability; (3) airborne SEAD capabilities are being reduced, because DOD is retiring the EF-111 and F-4G aircraft, its most capable SEAD aircraft; (4) DOD has given a low funding priority to SEAD programs in favor of such programs as the F-22 aircraft, which GAO believes is not urgently needed; and (5) DOD has not assessed the cumulative impact of reducing SEAD capability.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendation for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Secretary of Defense should postpone the retirement of the F-4G and EF-111 until the funding priority of the airborne SEAD mission in relation to other elements of combat air power is reassessed. This reassessment should include extensive input from the service secretaries and the war-fighting commanders and be based on the specific threats expected in the two postulated major regional conflicts as well as likely peacetime operations.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: Although DOD retired the F-4G and the EF-111, a reassessment of the SEAD mission was conducted in 1998 at the direction of the Deputy Secretary of Defense to develop a mission area architecture for the future. In the interim, the Navy and Air Force are using EA-6B aircraft for SEAD support and concerns have been raised about the number and capabilities of this aircraft.

    Matter for Congressional Consideration

    Matter: Congress may wish to consider requiring that DOD, prior to retiring the F-4G and EF-111, reassess the relative funding priority of SEAD and other elements of combat air power based on their war-fighting and peacetime contributions.

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: Although Congress has increased near-term funding for SEAD and other air power programs, it has not required that DOD reassess its combat air power funding priorities.

    Jun 19, 2013

    Jun 11, 2013

    May 31, 2013

    May 29, 2013

    May 23, 2013

    May 17, 2013

    May 16, 2013

    May 15, 2013

    May 14, 2013

    Looking for more? Browse all our products here