U.S. Abstracts:

Missiles in National Security Strategy: Theater and Strategic Objectives

Richard H. Davison

Both offensive and defensive forces play a role in US defense strategy.  Ballistic missiles contribute to a US defense strategy by making the price of retaliation too high while missile defenses provide protection.  Theater missile defenses are used to defend US and allied troops, civilian populations and ports and airfields.  National missile defense also plays an important role in US national security.  While Russia has exercised its right to deploy an ABM system, the United States has chosen to forego its right to deploy a defensive system.  However, due to the new threat posed by North Korean missiles, interest in a national missile defense system has grown. The decision to deploy  national missile defense will be made next summer and will be based on an assessment of the technology, operational effectiveness, an assessment of ballistic missile threats, the cost of the system and US arms control objectives.  In addition, deployment of a national missile defense system may require changes to the ABM Treaty.  The US has been flexible in negotiating arms control treaties with Russia, taking into account their changing situation.  It is hoped that Russia can be similarly flexible with the United States in negotiating amendments to the ABM Treaty.

Richard H. Davison is the Principal Director of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense; Nuclear, Ballistic Missile Defense, Space Policy.

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