Extended-Range Smart Conventional Weapon Systems

摘要

This paper summarizes the promise of extended-range, ground attack weapon systems, identifies obstacles to the realization of this promise, and offers several recommendations. Although these weapon systems can be consequential in low intensity and Third World conflicts, the emphasis here is on their contributions to stop, and thus help deter, attacks by the Soviet Union against the U.S. and our allies. These contributions eventually may be considerable; however, smart weapons, extended-range or otherwise, are not a high-technology panacea to our conventional force deficiencies. Modern combined arms combat requires a subtle balance among its various elements. Furthermore, non-materiel factors--tactics, training, leadership, morale--are critically important.