Considerations Affecting the Deployment of a US Continental Ballistic Missile Defense System.
Abstract
Major arguments for and against the deployment of a US continental ballistic missile defense (BMD) system are set forth and discussed. Special emphasis is given to a historical background of BMD, a summary of current Soviet and Communist Chinese strategic military threats which are related to the BMD deployment question, the three objectives of the Safeguard system and their relation to the strategic sufficiency criteria, and the influence of BMD on both the arms race and strategic arms limitation talks. Other issues discussed include the role of BMD as a protective measure against attack by submarine launched ballistic missiles, and the cost-effectiveness, reliability, and vulnerability of the Safeguard system. Data was gathered from a literature search and personal interviews with both military and civilian officials. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0764602
Entities
People
- David A. Hufnagel
Organizations
- United States Army War College