Joint Theater Missile Defense Strategy

Abstract

Theater ballistic missile (TBM) defense was first used operationally during Desert Storm in response to Iraqi Scud attacks against Saudi Arabia and Israel. Since there was no joint doctrine or concept of operations for theater missile defense (TMD), the commander in chief (CINC) decided what to protect with limited assets. It was readily apparent, though, that TMD was a joint mission. Not only were Army Patriot missiles deployed on land, but the Air Force flew thousands of sorties in operations against mobile Scuds as satellites provided warning and cuing information, and Navy Aegis-equipped ships tracked enemy ballistic missiles. This treatment of the role of TBM defense in theater strategy and operational art highlights Joint Pub 3-01.5, Doctrine for Joint Theater Missile Defense. However it goes beyond doctrine by exploring operational considerations for employing TMD in various phases of combat. Finally, some background is provided on TMD in national military strategy.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA525145

Entities

People

  • Robert M. Soofer

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Defense
  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Defense Systems
  • Deployment
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Military Strategy
  • National Security
  • Sea Based
  • Theater Ballistic Missiles
  • Theater Missile Defense
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space