The Aerospace Advantage

Episode 211 — Building the Precision Strike Arsenal We Need: The Mass Challenge

Nov 23, 2024
Joining the discussion are Jeff Peters, Deputy VP at BAE Systems, Dr. Kathy Bihari, Technical Director at BAE, and John JV Venable from the Mitchell Institute. They tackle the pressing need for a robust inventory of precision strike munitions for the U.S. military. The conversation delves into challenges in production, including budget constraints and the necessity of a diversified supply chain. They explore innovative strategies for enhancing military readiness and the evolution of weapon systems that ensure effectiveness in modern warfare.
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INSIGHT

PGM Effectiveness in Desert Storm

  • The expectation of one-to-one precision-guided munitions (PGMs) effectiveness in Desert Storm wasn't met.
  • PGMs only achieved a 54% mission effectiveness rate, highlighting the impact of real-world conditions on sophisticated weaponry.
ANECDOTE

Desert Storm Munitions Use

  • During Desert Storm, the US military expended 225,000 munitions over four months, averaging 5,000 per day.
  • Post-Desert Storm, the US amassed 350,000 JDAMs, but that stockpile has dwindled to around 200,000.
INSIGHT

Diversifying Munitions Suppliers

  • DoD needs more suppliers to meet munition demands; current production rates are insufficient.
  • Distributing production across more companies makes the required output more attainable.
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