Limited missile defenses what can they protect

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Arms Control Today; (USA)

OSTI ID:5149717

Fainberg, A ^[1]

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1. Office of Technology Assessment, Washington, DC (USA)

There is a growing realization that a total defense against nuclear-armed ballistic missiles is not feasible, and defenses more modest in scope are controversial because of doubts about their effectiveness, strategic value, cost, and arms control implications. At the same time, the concept of a more limited defense to protect against accidental, unauthorized, or third-country missile launches has been gaining currency, with some critics of SDI supporting it as an alternative to more widespread defenses, and some supporters of SDI viewing it as the first step toward such defenses. Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) called for an examination of this concept early last year, coining the term Accidental Launch Protection System (ALPS) to describe it. Since Nunn's speech, the idea has gained momentum. The 1989 Defense Authorization Act urged SDIO to give priority to developing an ALPS system; it also required a report (forthcoming) from the secretary of defense on the status of planning for such a system. Consideration of ALPS is said to be part of the Bush administration's ongoing strategic review. The author discusses: how ALPS would work; its missions and goals; areas of coverage; and susceptibility to counter-measures. 1 fig.

• OSTI ID: 5149717
• Journal Information: Arms Control Today; (USA), Journal Name: Arms Control Today; (USA) Vol. 19:3; ISSN ACOTE; ISSN 0196-125X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

350100* -- Arms Control-- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
MODIFICATIONS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NEGOTIATION
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
USA