U.S. Conventional Prompt Global Strike Issues for 2008 and Beyond (2008) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Pages 18-26
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From page 18... ...
It will convert a small number of Trident subma rine-launched ballistic missiles for use in conventional prompt global strike. The 2006 QDR went on to call for the deployment, within 2 years, of an "initial capability to deliver precision-guided conventional warheads using long-range Trident Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles." The DOD's 2007 budget request included $127 million for the Conventional Trident Modification (CTM)
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From page 19... ...
The 109th Congress rejected most of the DOD's 2007 budget request for CTM because of concerns regarding "nuclear ambiguity" associated with CTM (i.e., the risk that an observed launch of a conventionally armed missile might be mistaken for the launch of a nuclear-armed missile) , as well as a belief that other CPGS systems might better address some of the military, political, and technical issues surrounding CTM. The conference report accompanying Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-289)
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From page 20... ...
In the months during the writing and following the release of its interim letter report, the committee continued gathering information, and in September 2007 it convened to begin drafting its final report. At the time of the drafting of this final report, the committee faced uncertainty as to the direction that the Congress would take in 2008 on CPGS, and even more uncertainty as to the levels of funding that the Congress would appropriate for CTM and other specified alternative CPGS systems and for DOD-wide efforts on CPGS in general. As it turned out, the conference report accompanying Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-116)
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From page 21... ...
In doing so, it drew on material provided by DOD officials, historical experience over the past decade with actual or seriously contemplated strikes, and intelligence projections. The scenarios included, for example, the need to strike a ballistic missile launcher poised to launch a nuclear weapon at the United States or at an ally, an opportunity to strike a gathering of terrorist leaders or a shipment of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
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From page 22... ...
strikes with conventional weapons are conducted primarily through the use of forward-based systems, particularly tactical aircraft and cruise missiles, and with heavy bombers. Effective use of these systems requires that there be adequate time available to position the aircraft and/or missiles within range of the targets, to conduct detailed mission planning, and, when needed, to provide tanker refueling capability.
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From page 23... ...
Chapter 3 discusses the political, international, policy, and doctrinal issues raised by conventional prompt global strike. Among the topics addressed are command and control for CPGS and the requirement of presidential authorization for its use, the potential for inappropriate or mistaken use of CPGS by the United States, the impact of CPGS on the nation's nuclear deterrent and on stability, and the issue of nuclear ambiguity.
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From page 24... ...
d Existing systems USA, USAF, Cruise missiles, 1,500 to >6,000 nmi 1,000-2,000 lb Available now Not applicable USMC, USN tactical aircraft, and heavy bombers CTM USN Trident: D5 >4,000 nmi >1,000 lb 2011 1 (sea-based) (3-stage)
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From page 25... ...
aData on range and payload for CTM, SLGSM, CSM-1, CSM-2, and hypersonic cruise missile options are extracted from Amy F Woolf, 2007, Conventional Warheads for Long-Range Ballistic Missiles: Background and Issues for Congress, CRS Report to Congress, Congressional Research Service, Washington, D.C., June 19, pp.
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From page 26... ...
Cicerone. Appendixes C through F, respectively, provide biographies of the members of the committee, its statement of task, a copy of the committee's interim letter report, and a summary of the committee meeting agendas.
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