Air Attack on America?: Vulnerabilities, Capabilities, and Implications of the Air Defense of the United States
Abstract
The events of 9/11 highlighted the deteriorated state of the United States air defense system. Although some reorganization of the air defense system of the US occurred, as a whole, there is no continental integrated air defense system in place today. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the need for a continental integrated air defense system. In order to accomplish the examination of the need for a continental air defense system, this thesis reviews two case studies. The first case study examines the creation of the British integrated air defense system in the interwar years and the second case study examines the creation of the United States integrated air defense system of the beginning of the Cold War. These case studies seek to determine the threat, country and weapon, which prompted the construction of an air defense system. Furthermore, these case studies seek to determine the validity of using public opinion as a litmus test for the creation of an air defense system. Finally, these case studies seek to determine commonalities in the systems and technology, rules of engagement, and command and control required for an integrated air defense system to be successful.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA615046
Entities
People
- Daniel C. Diehl
Organizations
- Air University