The M-60A1 is undergoing a product improvement program to incorporate a series of system enhancements in mobility, firepower, etc. In addition to this effort, the XM-1 tank is being designed and will provide improved armor protection and cross-country agility. The mechanized infantry combat vehicle (MICV) under development as a replacement for the M-113 armored carrier in some units will be used to complement the tank force for mobile combat purposes. Major items in the budget associated with tank forces are: 1 A significant number of M-48 tanks were purchased prior to FY 76. These totals represent costs for current M-48 modernization program. ARTILLERY The number of U.S.S. R. artillery pieces and heavy mortars are double those of the United States. Recent Soviet developments indicate a change from towed field artillery systems to self-propelled systems. The new systems are the 122 mm SP Gun M-1974 and 152 mm SP Gun M-1973. The U.S.S. R. also has a series of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), the SA-4, SA-6, SA-8, and SA-9. The Soviets deploy three anti-tank missile systems, the Snapper, Sagger and Swatter, which have ground/vehicle and/or helicopter firing capacity. U.S. artillery and SAM development and procurement focuses primarily on the cannon-launched guided projectile (CLGP), SAM-D, Roland II, and Stinger. As SAM-D, Roland II, and Stinger enter the operational inventory, they will replace older systems such as the Nike-Hercules, Hawk and Improved Hawk, Chaparral, Redeye, and Vulcan. Basic anti-tank systems are the TOW and Dragon. A nonnuclear version of the Lance missile is proposed in the budget. The M-109A1, XM-204, and XM-198 are three howitzers with significant expenditures over the next few years. New U.S. air defense artillery developments are geared at providing all-weather, 24-hour, lowaltitude capability and other system enhancements. Major items in the budget associated with artillery weapons are: HELICOPTERS The U.S.S.R. helicopter force lags substantially behind the U.S. force, 9,000 to 2,500. There are currently two major U.S.S.R. models, the HIND A (assault) and MI8/HIP (transport) helicopters. The United States is adding to its current helicopter force by developing the advanced attack helicopter (AAH) (ultimate inventory objective is 472) and utility tactical transport aircraft system (UTTAS) (ultimate inventory objective is 1100) for anti-tank and assault and transport purposes. The AAH will carry the Hellfire anti-tank missile and be an all-weather helicopter. Each of the two new helicopters have significantly improved performance criteria as a major system objective. Also in development is an advanced scout helicopter (ASH) for observation purposes. The AH-1J is undergoing modernization to prolong inventory life and accept the TOW missile. An extended range version of this helicopter is designated the AH-1S. Major items in the budget associated with helicopter acquisition are: NAVAL FORCES SURFACE COMBATANT SHIPS The U.S.S.R. has made significant strides in combatant ship quantities overtaking the United States by a slight margin in major surface combatants. Geared for flexibility with relatively new, well-armed, high-speed ships, the Soviet fleet is equipped with both offensive and defensive missile systems and modern electronic warfare capabilities. Particular emphasis is on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and antiship missile capabilities. The composition of the force will soon consist of a missile ASW carrier, guided missile and gun cruisers, missile and gun destroyers, and escorts. The Kiev-class aircraft carrier now nearing deployment will be the largest combatant developed in the U.S.S.R. Other current development or modernization efforts are for the Kara and Kresta II guided missile cruisers, the Krivak guided missile destroyer, and the Kashin guided missile frigate. All are equipped with ASW and/or SAM capability. U.S. surface combatant ship capability centers on a mixed force of carriers, cruisers, guided missile and gun destroyers, and guided missile frigates and conventional frigates. This force is highly specialized to support carrier task force operations and protect resupply convoys. Consequently, emphasis has been placed on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities for escort ships. Carrier aircraft are intended to defend escorts from enemy surface ships and aircraft, and to support combat operations ashore. The current development strategy emphasizes high-speed, well-armed ASW, and anti-ship missile forces, a feature sought by the U.S.S. R. among its ships. The United States plans to maintain a force of at least 12 attack carriers through the next decade. Current developments envision plans for a new class of carrier to replace the Midway/Forrestal class, new nuclear-powered strike cruisers, AEGIS destroyers, new patrol frigates, and surveillance ships. The AEGIS missile system for aircraft and missile detection, the HARPOON missile and sea-launched cruise missiles are the major equipment programs under development and production. Other armament acquisition efforts underway include the CAPTOR, improved MK46 torpedo, PHALANX, and standard missiles. A land-based system engineering development site is being constructed to support AEGIS : hip development. The DoD FY 1977 budget requests acquisition of 16 ships (4 submarines and 12 surface ships). The submarines are discussed in Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (page 150) and Attack Submarine Forces (page 160). The 12 surface ships in the budget are eight guided missile frigates and one each of an AEGIS destroyer, fleet oiler, destroyer tender, and submarine tender. The budget seeks for fullfunding of a conventionally powered destroyer and long leadtime funding for the nuclear-powered strike cruiser with its authorization to be in the FY 1978 budget. A total of eight conventional and two nuclear AEGIS ships are planned over the next 5-year period. The 5-year projections of the guided missile frigate total 40 ships. Major costs in the budget for surface ships and related programs and equipment include the following: |