Naval Postgraduate School

Responding to the Threat from Third World Air Defense Systems Naval Postgraduate School

This book examines the proliferation of advanced air defense "'weapons in certain Third World regions and the implications these transfers may have on United Status Naval forces operating in and around these waters. It assesses the extent of proliferation, and examines the capability of selected nations in regions where the U. S. Navy operates on a regular basis. It also examines motives and trends behind the import and export of air defense weapons and the implications proliferation will have on the four naval missions, sea control, strategic sealift, power projection, and strategic deterrence. Three options are put forth that address possible "adjustments" of U. S. policy to counter the effect of air defense weapons proliferation. The options considered are, the military response, controlling the threat through arms control, and changing the national interest. Finally, the question--is the U. S. willing to overcome the problems created by air defense weapons proliferation in the Third World?--is addressed.