Optimizing the post-START U.S. strategic nuclear force mix

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Authors
Leary, David Allan
Subjects
arms control
strategic arms reduction talks (START)
strategic nuclear force balance
strategic nuclear force structure
Advisors
Breemer, Jan S.
Date of Issue
1989-06
Date
June 1989
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis examines the impact a START agreement might have on United States and Soviet strategic nuclear forces. It then proposes an "optimum" post-START force mix for the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Thf current, as well as projected, post-START targeting policies are discussed. It is concluded that the impact of a START agreement on the current U.S. strategic targeting policy will be minimal. Although the target data base will not shrink as much as the forces tasked to cover it, a prioritization of targets is all that should be necessary with a post-START force. A START agreement will mean major reductions in U.S. and Soviet strategic nuclear forces. As proposed in this thesis, only the ICBM leg of the Triad will require any major re-structuring. This would include the addition of mobile ICBM systems. The SLBM and bomber legs will feel minimal changes (i.e., retiring POSEIDON SSBNs and retiring or converting some older B-52s). It is recommended that the B-2 program be cancelled, and funding be redirected into the mobile ICBM systems. By doing so the United States could utilize technology available today to strengthen its forces and not gamble on the low observable technology which a "stealth" bomber might have.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Defense Nuclear Agency, DNA MIPR 88-674
Funder
Defense Nuclear Agency, DNA MIPR 88-674
Format
80 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.