The Trident submarine will be the successor to the Polaris/Poseidon ballistic missile fleet. The Navy stated that the ultimate size of the Trident program will be determined when issues relating primarily to strategic policies, objectives, and arms limitations negotiations are resolved. At the time of GAO's review the Navy was reporting an estimated cost of $18.8 billion for an 11-ship program. As of December 31, 1976, the Navy reported a 13-ship program at a cost of $21.4 billion. GAO found that 16 Trident submarines were included in planning documents. A fleet of this size could total over $30 billion. GAO recommends that a best estimate of the number of Trident submarines and missiles needed and the cost for this force be determined because the merits of this, and other programs, can only be evaluated when the total commitment being undertaken is known.
Status of the Trident Submarine and Missile Programs: Department of the Navy
1977
29 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch