**GAO-11-112**                      Published: Oct 13, 2010. Publicly Released: Oct 13, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

Over the past two and a half decades, the Department of Defense (DOD) has invested heavily to acquire a cruise missile capable of attacking ground targets stealthily, reliably, and affordably. After abandoning an earlier, more expensive missile and a joint service effort, the Air Force began producing the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) in 2001. After that, the program (1) encountered many flight test failures, (2) decided to develop an extended range version, and (3) recognized significant cost growth. The production decision for the JASSM-ER is planned for November 2010. Also, the Secretary of Defense has recently announced a major initiative to restore affordability and productivity in defense spending. This initiative is expected to, among other things, identify savings by conducting needed programs more efficiently. As DOD faces the initial production decision on JASSM-ER, GAO was asked to assess (1) most recent test results, correction of causes of previous flight test failures, and efforts to improve JASSM's reliability; and (2) JASSM cost changes, efforts to control costs, and additional cost risks for the program.

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## GAO Contacts

Michael J. Sullivan
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## Topics

National Defense

Air defense systemsAir Force procurementCost analysisDefense capabilitiesDefense cost controlDefense economic analysisDefense procurementMilitary inventoriesMilitary technologyMissilesOperational testingProcurement planningProgram managementStrategic planningTestingWeaponsWeapons research and developmentWeapons systemsCost estimatesCost growth