About the Need for the Mobile, Small ICBM in the 1990s

Abstract

A reexamination of the merits and need for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is conducted in light of the changes since the 1983 President's Commission on Strategic Forces recommended the development. The history of U.S. declaratory nuclear policy and arms control issues are reviewed to set a foundation for force structure criteria and requirements. The role and effectiveness of the Small ICBM in addressing this nuclear policy and arms control issues are discussed. The new factors of a surviving basing mode for PEACEKEEPER, declining defense budgets, Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) progress, and the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program are evaluated as they affect the original Small ICBM decision. The conclusion is reached that the rail garrison PEACEKEEPER satisfies most of the originally intended roles for the Small ICBM, at significantly less cost. But continuing development, with a slower paced production and deployment schedule is needed as a hedge on arms reductions beyond START, SDI capabilities, and future vulnerability of U.S. SLBMs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA202136

Entities

People

  • Brent R. Collins

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Air Force
  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Arms Control
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Defense Systems
  • Deterrence
  • Fleet Ballistic Missiles
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • National Security
  • Strategic Weapons
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design