Defense Against Nuclear Weapons: Coordinated Strategy Needed Between SDI and Air Defense Initiative
NSIAD-91-264
Published: Sep 24, 1991. Publicly Released: Sep 27, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO: (1) provided information on whether the Department of Defense (DOD) has refocused the Air Defense Initiative (ADI) based on the changed Soviet threat; and (2) compared the ADI program's funding and schedule with those of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a companion program.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| To ensure that a cost-effective combination of SDI and ADI systems is developed, Congress may wish to consider requiring DOD to provide the strategy before full-scale development funds are obligated for any system for the SDIO GPALS concept, other than the missile upgrade for the operational Patriot. | With the perceived reduction in the threat of a massive Soviet strategic strike, Congress and DOD are altering the priorities and focus of these programs. Protection against third world, theater ballistic missile strikes, and accidental or unauthorized Soviet launches is now receiving priority. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | Considering the recent refocus on protection against accidental or unauthorized attack by ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and bombers, DOD should provide Congress with its recommendation for a strategy for providing protection against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and long-range bombers. At a minimum, this strategy should: (1) explain the objectives of the ADI and SDI programs; (2) identify the combined ADI and SDI systems needed to meet the objectives; (3) provide information on the total cost and schedule for acquiring this protection; and (4) explain how DOD would manage the programs to ensure a coordinated and balanced approach between the two programs. |
Congress has acted to implement a step-wise, evolutionary implementation of strategic protection. Their funding and direction would defer portions of the Administration's global protection proposals for SDI and reduced priority on ADI. This is consistent with the perceived Soviet threat reduction and the government's budget constraints.
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Topics
Air defense systemsBallistic missilesCost effectiveness analysisDefense appropriationsDefense contingency planningDefense operationsIntercontinental ballistic missilesNuclear warfareResearch and development costsStrategic forces