Electronic Warfare: DOD Should Select Most Cost-Effective Infrared Countermeasure System
NSIAD-98-2
Published: Apr 28, 1998. Publicly Released: Apr 28, 1998.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Army's Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure system (ATIRCM) and the U.S. Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system to determine whether the Department of Defense (DOD) is justified in acquiring both systems.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should: (1) direct that the appropriate tests and analyses be conducted to determine whether DIRCM or ATIRCM will provide the most cost-effective means to protect U.S. aircraft; and (2) procure that system for U.S. aircraft that have a requirement for similar infrared countermeasure capabilities. |
DOD recently made the production decision for the DIRCM system. However, the Director of Electronic Combat at DOD formed a study team to analyze whether the competing system, ATIRCM, could cost-effectively be cancelled in favor of DIRCM.
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| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should limit DIRCM system procurement to the first production option of 15 systems to allow a limited number for SOCOM's urgent deployment needs. |
Although the Comptroller's office initially withheld the production funds from the program in accordance with the recommendation, subsequently the program office reacquired the production funds and signed contracts for the first two production lots.
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Topics
Air warfareCost effectiveness analysisDefense capabilitiesDefense cost controlElectronic warfareMilitary procurementRadar equipmentWarning systemscommon missile warning systemAircraft acquisition program