Ballistic Missile Defense: Computation of Number of Patriot PAC-3 Interceptors Needed Is Flawed
NSIAD-95-45
Published: Mar 17, 1995. Publicly Released: Apr 03, 1995.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization's (BMDO) planned production of 1,200 Patriot Advanced Capability-Three (PAC-3) interceptors, focusing on the: (1) determination of the number of interceptors needed; and (2) affordability of the interceptors.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In light of the deficiencies in the analyses that supported the determination of the production requirements, Congress may wish to direct the Secretary of Defense to prepare a valid estimate of the number of PAC-3 interceptors required. | DOD stated that it would consider GAO's recommendation and matter for congressional consideration through an ongoing Theater Missile Defense Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis. Part of that analysis was to assess missile inventory requirements for future and current systems operating in different theater missile defense architectures. However, in a briefing on preliminary results of that analysis, DOD stated that it did not plan to readdress PAC-3 interceptor requirements. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should instruct the Director, BMDO, to provide both an accurate estimate of the number of PAC-3 interceptors required and a plan that resolves any resulting affordability problems. |
DOD stated that it would consider GAO's recommendation and matter for congressional consideration through an ongoing Theater Missile Defense Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis. Part of that analysis was to assess missile inventory requirements for future and current systems operating in different theater missile defense architectures. However, in a briefing on preliminary results of that analysis, DOD stated that it did not plan to readdress PAC-3 interceptor requirements.
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Air defense systemsBallistic missile defenseCost analysisDefense procurementFighter aircraftMilitary budgetsMissile warheadsWeapons systemsMilitary forcesMissiles