Theater Missile Defense: Indigenous Programs and Interest Among U.S. Friends and Allies
Abstract
The threat posed by weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, especially missiles, is a growing international concern. Most nations seek to deal with this threat through a combination of arms control and military measures. Only a few allies and friends of the United States, however, appear apprehensive and are considering or seeking to acquire advanced theater missile defense (TMD) capabilities to deal with these threats. Some nations are satisfied with the limited TMD capability they have in the Patriot antitactical missile system, which is designed to defend small areas. Some nations in Europe, such as France and Germany, are beginning to think about acquiring TMD to defend troops they may have deployed overseas in peacekeeping roles. TMD efforts among U.S. allies and friends are revealing. Most countries who have acquired Patriot antitactical missile systems have negotiated offset agreements that ensure there is not an excessive flow of resources or money out of their country. A number of countries have also received contracts from the United States to conduct TMD research and development, investing relatively little of their own resources. There is little other TMD cooperation among U.S. allies and friends, and the only indigenous TMD programs in other countries remain simply options as they upgrade their air defense capabilities. The reasons these countries do not support TMD efforts with greater commitment are principally budgetary: defense budgets around the world are generally constrained. U.S. allies and friends also cite political sensitivities in openly debating regional threats, as well as a host of barriers to international technological cooperation with the United States. U.S. allies and friends largely appear willing to accept the U.S. technological lead in pursuing TMD. But they do not appear eager or willing to share the resource burden in developing TMD systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA344637
Entities
People
- Steven A. Hildreth
Organizations
- Library of Congress