Army Air Defense for Forward Areas: Strategies and Costs
Abstract
The Army's plan to modernize its air defense was set back significantly when tests demonstrated that the DIVAD gun could not adequately perform its air defense mission, and Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger subsequently cancelled the program in August 1985. The 40mm DIVAD antiaircraft gun was intended to replace the 1960s vintage Vulcan 20mm antiaircraft gun, which currently provides air defense for the Army's tanks and fighting vehicles-the "forward maneuver elements" of the Army's "heavy" divisions. Vulcan, however, offers little capability against enemy aircraft, especially helicopters that can stand off at long ranges while attacking tanks and other armored vehicles. The loss of time that was invested in the DIVAD program has created a sense of urgency within the Army for devising a new air defense program to provide protection for its forward maneuver elements. As a result, the Army is considering a number of approaches to improve its forward air defense that cover a wide range of capabilities and costs. The Army and the Department of Defense are currently attempting to decide on a particular approach as they formulate a comprehensive air defense plan to be presented to the Congress next year. The Congress might wish to influence various aspects of the overall air defense plan as it reviews the fiscal year 1987 budget request. Although the funds requested for air defense in the 1987 budget provide mainly for development of a variety of systems and do not reflect any specific configuration, the Congress will eventually have the opportunity to review the Army's more detailed plan for its air defense, probably some time next year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA474791
Entities
People
- Frances M. Lussier
Organizations
- Congressional Budget Office