Conventionally-Armed ICBMs: Time for Another Look

Abstract

The Pentagon has proposed developing conventionally armed, long-range weapons for a relatively new mission referred to as “prompt global strike”. A weapon concept often considered for this mission is the modification of existing intercontinental ballistic missiles to deliver conventional munitions with precision accuracy. On the surface, this option appears straightforward and relatively inexpensive. However, Pentagon officials have, in the past, preferred other weapon concepts. Several developments over the past year combine to warrant a new look at this concept. This paper compares the conventional ICBM concept with alternative weapon concepts for the conventional prompt global strike mission.