Ballistic Missile Defense, Space-Based Weapons, and the Defense of the West.

Abstract

This memorandum examines the many issues related to the technical feasibility and future deterrent utility of ballistic missile defense (BMD). The author contends that BMD clearly presents American and Western security planners with a staggering number of possibilities. The author concludes, however, the uncertainties to future BMD technologies, the unknown constraints of deployment, the potential costs make acquisition decisions highly problematic. Neither proponents nor opponents of spaced-based, land-based, or layered BMD systems have presented evidence that drives one to unambiguous final conclusions. (Author)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 15, 1983
Accession Number
ADA140280

Entities

People

  • D. S. Papp

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Air Force
  • Arms Control
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Boost Phase
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Defense Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • New York
  • Procurement
  • Space Based
  • Space Systems
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space