Accelerated Production: The Air-to-Air Missile Case,
Abstract
Currently, the US stockpile of air-to-air missiles falls short of requirements and the industrial base is not capable of closing the gap in a timely manner. Moreover, constraints on the defense budget are not likely to loosen. In view of these realities, schemes calling for total investment in a less-than-adequate stockpile speculate on single scenarios, thereby jeopardizing national security. We should invest in both a larger stockpile and increased industrial capability. The Industrial Preparedeness Program has failed to increase industrial capability for both peacetime and wartime production because it has not been well understood, supported, or executed. Key government personnel have given the program low priority, and industry, sensing that attitude, has lost faith in the program. Industry's lessened commitment, in turn, has precipitated further reduction in Government support. To invigorate the program and, more importantly, industrial preparedness, Government needs to tie investments in surge and mobilization capability to peacetime production contracts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA119759
Entities
People
- John C. Mclaurin
Organizations
- National Defense University