CBO Papers: Future of Theater Missile Defense,

Abstract : The United States has very limited means to protect its forces and the populations of its allies from attacks by theater ballistic missiles. This vulnerability was demonstrated when Iraq attacked Saudi Arabia and Israel with ballistic missiles during the Persian Gulf War. The Administration has presented a plan to improve the nation's ability to meet this threat, but critics have other ideas. Some believe that the Administration's plan goes too far. Others think that it does not go far enough. This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) paper analyzes the costs and capabilities of the Administration's plan for theater missile defenses. The analysis covers all aspects of theater ballistic missile defense, including active defenses, passive defenses, counterforce operations, and the command and control systems that allow them to function effectively. It also examines the compliance issues that the plan may raise with the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Finally, it analyzes the costs and effects of several alternatives to the plan. This effort was requested by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. In keeping with CBO's mandate to provide objective and nonpartisan analysis, the paper makes no recommendations.