Missile Defense: Cost Increases Call for Analysis of How Many New Patriot Missiles to Buy

摘要

The Patriot and the Navy Area ballistic missile defense systems are expected to provide the lower tier of defense in an overall missile defense strategy, which includes the Army's Theater High Altitude Area Defense and Navy Theater Wide systems. These latter systems are designed to intercept targets at much higher altitudes (above the atmosphere) than the Patriot missile. Engineering and manufacturing development of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile was approved in May 1994. The original schedule called for initial fielding of the missile in 1998 and missile procurement through 2002. Several delays have occurred since that time. As of March 2000, initial fielding of the PAC-3 missile was planned for 2001, and missile procurement was planned through 2010. With the exception of the missile, all PAC-3 components are upgrades to existing Patriot components. The PAC-3 missile is based on the Extended Range Interceptor Technology program, in which the Department of Defense (DOD) explored the feasibility of developing a hit-to-kill missile. Under this program, the extended range missile was developed in a laboratory environment, prototype missiles were fabricated, and the missiles successfully intercepted three of four test targets. The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, a DOD agency responsible for missile defense programs, provides overall management of the PAC-3 program, including its funding. The Army's Program Executive Office for Air and Missile Defense and the Patriot Project Office provide day-to-day management of the program.