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Miller, Eric A. "Global Strike Capabilities: The Ballistic Missile Option." Astropolitics. Vol. 2 (2004): 1-31. [ 5 quotes ]

Evidence Related to this Citation

New Global Threat Environment Requires U.S. to Develop Long-Range Precision Strike Capabilities
 
In short, the United States faces a very different security environment from that of previous decades. More challengers exist, both traditional state-based competitors and non-state actors, and the means at their disposal to harm the United States, its allies and other interests abroad has increased dramatically. This 'democratization of destruction' makes it imperative that the United States field sophisticated long-range precision strike capabilities to meet these ever dangerous and diffuse threats. In that context, we can discuss the likely targets that long-range strike platforms would be called upon to address. ( More ... )
Miller, Eric A. "Global Strike Capabilities: The Ballistic Missile Option." Astropolitics. Vol. 2 (2004): 1-31. [ 5 quotes ] [ page 5 ]
New Strike Capabilities Needed to Address Challenge from HDBTs
 
Members of the defense establishment consistently place HDBTs as the top priority for long-range precision strike. Finding ways to hold HDBTs at risk is a major defense priority because, as the NPR notes, 'at present the United States lacks adequate means to deal with these strategic facilities'. According to recent intelligence estimates, more than 70 countries now use underground facilities for military purposes, with over 10,000 facilities worldwide. Approximately 1,400 of these facilities house strategic sites, including WMD facilities, ballistic missile basing and leadership or top echelon command and control. HDBTs are classified into three categories -- 'cut and cover', simple tunnels and deeply buried facilities -- that can range in depth from 20m to 1km below ground. ( More ... )
Miller, Eric A. "Global Strike Capabilities: The Ballistic Missile Option." Astropolitics. Vol. 2 (2004): 1-31. [ 5 quotes ] [ page 6 ]
Long-Range Precision Strike Capabilities Needed to Address Challenge of Mobile and Relocatable Targets
 
The NPR noted that 'one of the greatest challenges today is accounting for the location uncertainty of mobile and relocatable targets'. These could include aircraft, ships, troop formations, mobile command, control, and communications (C3) facilities, mobile WMD facilities, leadership, or missile launchers. The use of Iraqi Scud missiles to attack Israel and US forces in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War underscores the requirement for capabilities that can be employed against such elusive targets. During Desert Storm, coalition aircraft carried out more than 1,500 strikes against Scud-related targets over a six-week period, but few, if any, mobile launchers were destroyed, and Iraq succeeded in launching almost 90 missiles. The potential use of mobile missiles to deliver WMD further intensifies this need. An effective theater missile defense system and the capability to locate and destroy such targets are crucial to protecting US allies, forces and regional population centers. ( More ... )
Miller, Eric A. "Global Strike Capabilities: The Ballistic Missile Option." Astropolitics. Vol. 2 (2004): 1-31. [ 5 quotes ] [ page 7 ]
Ballistic Missiles Offer Signficant Advantages over Strategic Bombing
 
In the end, the quality of each tool in this toolbox of capabilities is judged by the unique contributions it can make. While strategic bombers may have advantages in terms of raw payload, ballistic missiles continue to be capable of delivering a sizeable payload globally – in about 30–45 minutes. Ballistic missiles provide a unique mix of promptness and direct control, which allows the commander to tailor his attack for maximum strategic impact. Moreover, the commander can do so with forces based 10,000km from the theater of operation; a fact that may be crucial in regions where the United States may not have a presence in being or in which an adversary has made significant investments in area denial capabilities. ( More ... )
Miller, Eric A. "Global Strike Capabilities: The Ballistic Missile Option." Astropolitics. Vol. 2 (2004): 1-31. [ 5 quotes ] [ page 24 ]
Conventionally-Armed Ballistic Missiles are Least Risky Long-Range Strike Option
 
Employment of ballistic missiles poses the least risk to US personnel of any long-range strike option considered here. The stand-off capability of sea-launched cruise missiles does not match that of ballistic missiles but can be significant. This may take some time and, in future conflicts, the United States may not have the luxury of operating without threats to its navy from anti-ship weapons, WMD, or attack by special operations or terrorists. Thus, the stand-off capability afforded by sea-launched cruise missiles cannot be counted upon in the early phases of all future conflicts. Similarly, manned bombers and tactical aircraft place pilots at risk. Even in an environment of US air superiority, there are risks from accident, friendly fire and sporadic enemy action. Thus, ballistic missiles offer the lowest risk to US personnel, while sea-launched cruise missiles and manned bombers may place US personnel at risk under certain circumstances. ( More ... )
Miller, Eric A. "Global Strike Capabilities: The Ballistic Missile Option." Astropolitics. Vol. 2 (2004): 1-31. [ 5 quotes ] [ page 21 ]