Icbm Modernization

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the status of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Small Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Program. GAO found that: (1) although DOD anticipated deploying the Small ICBM weapon system in 1997, it is reconsidering that goal due to changes in the international environment, the reduced threat in a post-Strategic Arms Reduction Talks environment, and the high cost to procure and operate mobile ICBM; (2) although the DOD ICBM budget for fiscal years 1992 through 1997 will not support achievement of initial deployment in 1997, DOD stated that it is proceeding with ICBM development to provide a possible replacement for another missile, provide a survivable basing option for ICBM, and protect an option for basing ICBM; (3) until DOD provides updated direction, program funding needs are uncertain; (4) although DOD has made progress in developing ICBM, such unresolved issues remained as the missile’s capability, viability of the missile’s design, and availability of parts; (5) the Air Force failed to provide sufficient information to Congress in its ICBM selected acquisition report regarding information on the status of weapon system acquisitions to permit meaningful congressional oversight; and (6) DOD anticipates deploying ICBM with most of the design improvements in 1993.