Interaction of Strategic Defenses with Crisis Stability. Part 2: Applications.

Abstract

Stability indices produce a picture of the transition from offensive to defensive deterrence. Now, fixed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) act as a sink; submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) carry the brunt of retaliation; and aircraft add little. START would shift towards aircraft. Moderate defenses could suppress SLBMs, but would not protect a significant number of ICBMs. Retaliation would shift to aircraft, if protected and penetrating. Combined boost- and midcourse defenses increase stability. Reductions of heavy ICBMs or launch on warning would have little impact. Unilateral defenses change crisis indices little, but reduce delivery.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA344833

Entities

People

  • Gregory H. Canavan

Organizations

  • Los Alamos National Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Breathing
  • Air Defense
  • Aircrafts
  • Arms Control
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Boost Phase
  • Cruise Missiles
  • Defense Suppression
  • Deterrence
  • Equations
  • Governments
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Midcourse Defense
  • Motivation
  • Terminal Defense
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies