NSDD 35 The M-X Program

SECRET 11 SYSTEM II 90300 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON SECRET May 17, 1982 DECLASSIFIED National Security Decision Directive Number 35 NLRR MO6-002-124476 BY us NARADATE 1/15/08 THE M-X PROGRAM NSDD-12 outlined the overall U.S. Strategic Forces Modernization Program. Item 5 of that Directive included specific guidance on M-X which is herewith amended as follows. Land-Based Missile Development Development of M-X.will be completed and sufficient units produced to support 100 operational missiles. All work will be stopped on the Multiple Protective Shelter basing for M-X. It is absolutely essential that we maintain the momentum of the M-X program and that we achieve Initial Operational Capability in 1936. A DOD recommendation for a permanent basing mode for M-X shall be provided to me by November 1, 1982. Every effort should be made to provide me the DOD recommendation by September 15, 1982. If the September date is met, I will try to reach a decision by October 1. In any event, I expect to take a decision on M-X basing and so advise Congress by December 1, 1982. In this connection, the following guidance is provided: A. Closely Spaced Basing, with growth potential for defendable/deceptive basing appears to be the most promising route to pursue. B. R&D on Deep Underground Basing will continue because of its application to a secure reserve force, its potential for survivable c3 facilities, and its synergism with Closely Spaced Basing. C. R&D on Ballistic Missile Defense will also continue to hedge against Soviet ABM breakout, to assist us in evaluating Soviet BMD activity, and to provide an option for increasing M-X survivability. The use of our existing BMD technology would work well to help protect a Closely Spaced Basing Field. SECRET Review May 17, 1988 SECRET