From Theater Missile Defense to Antimissile Offensive Actions
From Theater Missile Defense to Antimissile Offensive Actions

Author: Merrick E. Krause

Publisher:

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13:

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This study examines the question: What strategic approach should the USAF take toward Theater Missile Defense (TMD) and Anti-Missile Offensive Actions in the near-term? The thesis begins with an introductory chapter asking the stated question in context, presenting the methodology used, and summarizing the proposals given at the end of the treatment. The methodological approach to this thesis involves historical and literature reviews, interviews, and a qualitative comparison of current and proposed weapons systems, capabilities, and doctrine. Broad strategic options, not specific tactical systems, are the focus of this study. The second chapter reviews milestones of missile and anti-missile, diplomatic, and political history to establish a basis for how we arrived at the present situation. Next, the third chapter reviews the current theater ballistic missile (TBM) and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat situation. Also, an overview of contemporary political and military reasoning is presented to provide a baseline of support for the critical need of an integrated joint and multi-layered TMD. The fourth chapter compares current and near-term Anti-Missile systems and programs, identifies a near-term Anti-Missile Capabilities Gap, and distills the plethora of situational information to four succinct implications. Finally, the last chapter provides and analyzes four proposals for possible actions that the USAF can take to answer the thesis question while taking into account the implications of the current and near-term TBM situation. Overall, this thesis recommends a philosophical shift to one in which USAF near-term Attack Operations (AO) and BMC4I integration are considered as part of an air and space power Anti-Missile Offensive Counterair effort, not simply an adjunct to a ground-force driven TMD paradigm.

Theater Missile Defense (TMD) in East Asia
Theater Missile Defense (TMD) in East Asia

Author: Lars Assmann

Publisher: LIT Verlag Münster

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 545

ISBN-13: 382580223X

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As East Asia is entering the 21st Century, Japan, in reassessing its security environment and thus its strategic calculus, is on the verge of deploying latest jointly-researched theater missile defenses (TMD) to counter the threat of ballistic and cruise missiles. In parallel, the People's Republic of China is constantly modernizing its ballistic missile forces and is gearing up for a possible contingency with its self-proclaimed "high-tech adversaries". This work shows what drives Japan to deploy theater missile defenses and how the People's Republic of China is poised to be reacting to it.

The Attack Operations Pillar of Theater Missile Defense: The Need for a Joint Effort
The Attack Operations Pillar of Theater Missile Defense: The Need for a Joint Effort

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 13

ISBN-13:

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The threat of a theater ballistic missile attack against military forces of the United States turned from theory to reality the evening of January 18, 1991 That night Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein launched the first of eighty-six SCUD missiles against Saudi Arabia and Israeli. The launching of the ballistic missiles exposed a major weakness of the United States military. As a result, significant efforts to develop a defense against ballistic missile attack has been a high priority mission for the Department of defense (DoD). The DoD ballistic missile defense focuses on two aspects - theater missile defense (TMD) and national missile defense. The first priority of the ballistic missile defense initiative is the rapid development and deployment of theater missile defense to protect forward deployed US and allied forces and allied population centers. National missile defense, the second priority, provides for security against strategic missile threat to the mainland of the United States.

Ballistic Missile Defense In The Post-cold War Era
Ballistic Missile Defense In The Post-cold War Era

Author: David B H Denoon

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2021-11-28

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 0429723652

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With the end of the Cold War and the visibility of U.S. Patriot missile defenses during the 1991 Gulf War, the cost and benefits of ballistic missile defense systems (BMD) need to be re-evaluated. In this detailed and balanced study, David Denoon assesses new types of short-range and intercontinental missile defenses. In the post Cold War era, two fundamental changes have made missile defense for the United States and its military forces more compelling: The United States and Russia no longer see each other as direct threats and there has been a dramatic proliferation of ballistic missile capability in the Third World. Consequently, U.S. forces deployed overseas are more likely to be at risk and, eventually, the United States itself could become vulnerable to missile threats. With these changes in mind, David Denoon analyzes the current BMD dilemma, arguing that active defenses against missiles should be seen as a form of insurance against catastrophe. He assesses the likelihood of missile attacks and the appropriate level of investment for the United States to defend against such attacks. The book provides an assessment of deterrence and the performance of the Patriot missiles during the 1991 Gulf War, critiques the Strategic Defense Initiative, and analyzes the prospects for new types of short-range and intercontinental missile defenses.

Extending U. S. Theater Missile Defense to Northeast Asia
Extending U. S. Theater Missile Defense to Northeast Asia

Author: Steven A. Attenweiler

Publisher:

Published: 2001-06-01

Total Pages: 89

ISBN-13: 9781423527817

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The absence of a formidable U.S. and allied Theater Missile Defense (TMD) capability in the East Asian region has encouraged a build-up in offensive missile capability on the part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). This build-up has destabilized a region of vital importance to the national interest of the United States by encouraging the idea that offensive military action can be utilized to attain national ambitions at a relatively acceptable cost. This thesis shows that the introduction of a layered missile defense capability will serve to enhance regional security for the United States and its allies by raising the costs associated with using missiles in an offensive manner and by underscoring the level of commitment the United States maintains in guaranteeing the security of its allies in the face of a growing regional threat. The political benefits associated with such a tangible defensive obligation on the part of the United States should not be underrated.

Elevating the Shield of Blows: Theater Missile Defense for the Twenty- First Century
Elevating the Shield of Blows: Theater Missile Defense for the Twenty- First Century

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 58

ISBN-13:

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This monograph examines whether the operational air defense force for theater ballistic missile defense will be capable of conducting operations on future battlefields. To explore relevant issues in this area, historical examples from World War 1, World War 11, and Operation Desert Storm are cited as lessons learned. An examination of the Operational Air Defense Battlefield Operating Systems as specified in TRADOC Pamphlet 11-9 serves as a baseline for comparison between currently fielded air defense organizations and materiel against their ability to accomplish the mission assigned them. The study determines that American maneuver forces are vulnerable to engagement from ballistic missiles. Current theater air defense systems and organizations are severely limited in their ability to engage ballistic missiles at their maximum effective ranges without endangering the lives of American soldiers and our allies. Organization and materiel solutions to the problem are required. The study concludes that the Army must continue to develop and field a complementary system of theater air defense weapon systems that can destroy the full spectrum of theater ballistic missiles. The Department of Defense should create a separate theater missile defense organization from existing forces to control antimissile forces in wartime. During peacetime this organization should prepare theater missile defense doctrine and serve as the combat developer for all operational antimissile materiel systems. We must continue to advance our technological edge to negate a hostile nation's ability to employ weapons of mass destruction against the United States and her allies. We must adapt our organizations in conjunction with our technology to guarantee our ability to defeat the expected aerial threat.

Missile Defense
Missile Defense

Author: Steven A. Hildreth

Publisher:

Published:

Total Pages: 58

ISBN-13:

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The University of Wisconsin features information about the realities of a missile defense system for the United States, as part of the Why Files resource. Why Files uses news and current events to explore science and the issues it raises. The content is associated with specific National Science Education standards and offers links to related sites.