NSDD 91 Strategic Forces Modernization Program Changes

SECRET SECRET 2 land-based ICBMs, the Department of Defense will provide a report on its progress in developing BMD options by October 1, 1983. This report was previously tasked by NSDD-69. (s) 5. Land-Based Missile Deployment. Complete development and initiate production of the Peacekeeper missile on a priority basis. Sufficient missiles and associated ground support equipment will be produced to support an operational deployment of 100 missiles. These 100 missiles will be deployed in existing Minuteman silos in Wyoming and Nebraska supported by Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. Specifically, the "first 50 missiles will replace the Minuteman missiles in the 400th Strategic Missile Squadron (SMS) In turn, the second 50 will replace the Minuteman missiles in the 319th SMS. The IOC of the Peacekeeper missile in this basing plan will be achieved in 1986 for operational capability by 1989. (s) 6. Small ICBM. Initiate immediately the engineering design of a small, single' warhead ICBM. If strategic and technical considerations warrant, such a missile should be ready for full scale development in 1987 and potential deployment in the early 1990's. (U) 7. Hardness and Fratricide R&D. Undertake a specific program to resolve uncertainties regarding silo and shelter hardness applicable to Peacekeeper and small missiles, a study of fratricide effects, and investigation of different types of land-based vehicles and launchers, particularly hardened vehicles. R&D on Deep Underground Basing will continue because of its application to a secure reserve force, and its potential for survivable C3. tst This NSDD supersedes NSDDs 35 and 69. COPY / OF 8 COFIES SRERET CHRON FILE