Improving Theater Ballistic Missile Defense at the Operational Level of War.
Abstract
The proliferation of theater ballistic missiles (TBMs) and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) throughout developing nations is so widespread that over 20 states may have an operational capability to deliver WMD using TBMs by the turn of the century. As was amply demonstrated during the Gulf War, even cheap, unsophisticated, and militarily insignificant TBMs such as the Al Hussein (modified Scud-B) can pose a psychological impact so severe that a strategic center of gravity such as the cohesion of alliances and coalitions may be threatened. The enormity of this threat will rapidly exacerbate with improvements in the accuracy, range, and lethality of TBMs. In recognition of this emerging threat, Congress has drastically increased funding for the development of various robust systems for joint theater missile defense (JTMD). However, the first active defense systems and supporting space-based sensors that will provide a true area protection will be fielded no earlier than the middle of the next decade. Joint Force commanders (JFCs) cannot rely solely on Patriot to provide the desired level of operational protection. To defend against this escalating threat in the near-term, the JFC must integrate and coordinate the mutually supporting elements of JTMD: active defense, passive defense, attack operations, and supporting command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence. Each of these elements will be critically examined to reveal critical areas where the JFC can direct operational changes and provide guidance that will improve theater protection using resources that are available today.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA312236
Entities
People
- Steven C. Schlientz
Organizations
- Naval War College