Smart Weapons - Can We Fold the Nuclear Umbrella

摘要

The United States has possessed smart weapons since the late 1960's. Eachgeneration of smart weapons incorporated significant improvements in range, accuracy, and lethality over the previous generation. These continuing improvements led many military analysts to question the continued utility of Army tactical nuclear weapons. With the elimination of Army tactical nuclear weapons, the Army must assess if the effectiveness of smart weapons eliminates the need for Army tactical nuclear weapons. Following a discussion of the evolution of tactical nuclear weapons and smart weapons theories, capabilities, and employment doctrines, this monograph conducts a comparative analysis of tactical nuclear weapons and smart weapons.