Assessing the Options for Preserving ICBM Survivability

Abstract

The decision on how to redress the perceived vulnerability of U.S. inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) is the most controversial strategic nuclear weapon decision now facing the 97th Congress. A full-scale debate on this issue, especially as regards MX missile basing, seems certain. To assist Members of Congress in the debate, this paper discusses nine proposals for treating ICBM survivability: Recognize that ICBMs are invulnerable, rely only on bombers and submarines for deterrence, deploy a large or scaled-down shell-game multiple shelter system, defend MX with antiballistic missiles, launch ICBMs on warning of attack, deploy Mx on aircraft or small submarines, and diversify strategic forces, perhaps using small ICBMs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 28, 1981
Accession Number
ADA477737

Entities

People

  • Jonathan E. Medalia

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Department Of Defense
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • New York
  • Procurement
  • Space Systems
  • Strategic Weapons
  • Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles
  • Submarines
  • Survivability
  • Technology Assessment
  • United States
  • Warfare
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Economics
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies