Over-The-Horizon Radar: Better Justification Needed for DOD Systems' Expansion
NSIAD-91-61
Published: Jan 16, 1991. Publicly Released: Jan 16, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO: (1) examined the Department of Defense's (DOD) plans to use the Air Force's Over-the-Horizon Backscatter (OTH-B) radar for counterdrug purposes; and (2) provided information on the cost, design, acquisition and deployment, missions, and interoperability of OTH-B and the Navy's Relocatable Over-the-Horizon Radar (ROTHR) programs.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should consider requiring DOD to clarify the primary purpose of the central radar system. If the primary mission is for the air defense mission, rather than the counterdrug mission, future budget requests for the central system should be justified on that basis, describing what threat the system is expected to detect. |
Closed – Implemented
|
DOD cancelled plans to procure the central radar system. |
| Congress should consider requiring DOD to demonstrate that satisfactory operational test results have been achieved on the east coast radar system before providing funds for any additional OTH-B sectors. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
DOD cancelled plans to procure additional OTH-B sectors. |
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Topics
Air defense systemsCost effectiveness analysisDrug traffickingLaw enforcementMilitary cost controlMilitary procurementProduct evaluationRadar equipmentTestingWarning systems