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Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses: Air Force Plans

NSIAD-93-221 Published: Sep 30, 1993. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 1993.
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Highlights

GAO assessed the Air Force's plans for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, focusing on: (1) current and future enemy air defense threats; (2) the capabilities of the alternatives the Air Force is considering for future SEAD; and (3) the Air Force's efforts to accommodate the retirement of one of its primary SEAD aircraft.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should reevaluate funding priorities in light of the increased risk associated with reducing SEAD capabilities.
Closed – Implemented
The Air Force is continuing to assess future lethal SEAD options. But, because of budgetary constraints, the Air Force still expects to field a system that is less capable than today's. NSIAD/EDP will be assessing the latest options the Air Force is considering for lethal SEAD in its review of command and control warfare systems (code 707075). This assignment has recently begun. Because the new assignment will address this issue, the recommendation should be closed.

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Topics

Weapons systemsAir defense systemsAir Force procurementAir warfareDefense budgetsDefense capabilitiesDefense contingency planningFighter aircraftTactical air forcesWarning systems