Precision-Guided Munitions: Capabilities and Consequences.
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Focusing on some implications of PGMs for force posture and the conduct of warfare, the author discusses the properties of these munitions and asks: How will they affect the relative usefulness of the advanced tank? the complex fighter-bomber? the big aircraft carrier? What will be the consequences for organization of land forces and for their tactics, particularly with reference to NATO? What are the political consequences? Three main conclusions emerge: (1) Since current PGMs are designed for specific defensive tasks and are not well-suited for an offense, hopefully their acquisition by both the U.S. and the SU will lead to greater stability. (2) The pace of war will be faster. (3) Precision delivery means that military targets can be destroyed with less total explosive power and less collateral damage to nonmilitary targets. 19 pp. (DGS)
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