U.S. Combat Air Power: Reassessing Plans to Modernize Interdiction Capabilities Could Save Billions
NSIAD-96-72
Published: May 13, 1996. Publicly Released: May 13, 1996.
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Highlights
GAO evaluated the military services' current aggregate interdiction assets for striking enemy targets and the contribution of planned modernization programs to total interdiction capabilities, focusing on the reasonableness of the planned enhancements.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should routinely review service modernization proposals based on how they will increase the current aggregate ability of the U.S. military to perform the interdiction mission. Such a process should prioritize funding for those capabilities that contribute most to meeting the joint operation requirements and assist in determining the appropriate mix and quantities of interdiction capabilities. Moreover, proposals that add redundancy, such as the B-1B and Apache modifications and precision-guided missiles, should be examined in the context of the additional interdiction capability they offer as well as the contributions they make to other mission areas. This analysis could serve as the basis for deciding funding priorities, the sufficiency of investment, and the future force structure. GAO recognizes that some weapon systems are multimission and this recommended assessment should consider the potential contribution to those other missions. |
DOD is performing at least one study in a manner similar to GAO's recommendation. The Deep Attack Weapons Mix study appears to be analyzing a particular set of the services' aggregate capabilities to define the proper mix needed to adequately meet future warfighting requirements. However, DOD has not agreed that such aggregate analyses should be a routine part of its process for deciding funding priorities, the sufficiency of investment, and future force structure. DOD IG has closed this case based on the July 9, 1996 letter from DOD to GAO. DOD IG concluded, according to the case contact, that "The DOD response shows it is doing what GAO recommended and no other corrective action merits tracking."
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Topics
Air defense systemsAir warfareCombat readinessCost effectiveness analysisDefense capabilitiesDefense contingency planningDefense cost controlMilitary procurementMilitary systems analysisWeapons systems