Assessing the Options for Preserving ICBM Survivability (CRS Report for Congress)
Premium Purchase PDF for $24.95 (69 pages)
add to cart or
subscribe for unlimited access
Pro Premium subscribers have free access to our full library of CRS reports.
Subscribe today, or
request a demo to learn more.
| Release Date |
Revised Sept. 28, 1981 |
| Report Number |
81-222 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Jonathan E. Medalia, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
-
Premium Sept. 25, 1981 (70 pages, $24.95)
add
|
Summary:
The decision on how to redress the perceived vulnerability of U.S. intercontinental 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 anti ballistic missiles, launch ICBMs on warning of attack, deploy MX on aircraft or small submarines, and diversify strategic forces, perhaps using small ICBMs.
