The Strategic Defense Initiative and West European Security.

Abstract

The aim of SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) is to secure and deploy a thoroughly reliable defense against Soviet strategic and intermediate-range missiles. SDI is a research program and the research will last for some years. The program is within the ABM Treaty limitations, despite Soviet violations of that treaty. Is is too early to speculate on the kinds of defensive systems that might prove feasible and desirable to develop and deploy. The purpose of the defense options is clear: to find a means to destroy attacking ballistic missiles before they can reach any of their potential targets. The SDI program is designed to enhance allied security as well as U.S. security. One of the early options of the SDI, i.e., a defense against tactical ballistic missiles, is of vital importance for Western European security. SDI represents no change in the commitment to deferring war and enhancing stability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 14, 1986
Accession Number
ADA168068

Entities

People

  • Paul H. M. Messerschmidt

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Governments
  • Laser Weapons
  • National Security
  • Particle Beam Weapons
  • Particle Beams
  • Remotely Piloted Vehicles
  • Space Based
  • Space Systems
  • Strategic Defense Initiative
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges
  • Western Europe

Readers

  • European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
  • Strategic Security Studies