Missile Procurement: Limit Procurement of AMRAAMs Until the Missile's Lethality Is Improved
NSIAD-92-243
Published: Jul 30, 1992. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the procurement of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), focusing on: (1) the requirements, cost, and schedule for improvements; and (2) the current production status of the missile.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should deny funds for 581 missiles for fiscal year 1993 because: (1) the missiles are scheduled to be delivered beyond that fiscal year's funded delivery period; and (2) delaying procurement of these missiles until after lethality improvements can be incorporated in the production line would ensure that more missiles are produced with the improvements. As stated in the GAO May 1, 1992 letter, this would amount to a reduction of approximately $250 million. | In the DOD Appropriation Act for Fiscal Year 1993, Congress reduced the Air Force request by $98.7 million and 115 missiles and reduced the Navy request by $14.7 million and no change in missile quantities. An accomplishment report will be prepared. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | Because of the issues and cost associated with retrofitting AMRAAM with the new warhead and the uncertain financial benefit of competition, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Air Force and the Navy to reduce AMRAAM future procurements to the minimum production rates needed to sustain contractor operations until the lethality improvements are incorporated in the missile. |
DOD did not concur with the recommendation to reduce future AMRAAM procurement quantities. DOD stated that it was taking action to ensure that the lethality improvements would be incorporated into as many missiles as possible.
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Weapons systemsAir defense systemsAir warfareFighter aircraftMilitary cost controlMilitary procurementMissile warheadsMissilesNaval aviationWeapons research and development