None of the existing systems comes close to satisfying the mission need for world wide deployment and interoperability between the services. The optimal system would use the same or similar surface and aircraft based components and procedures in both the land based and sea based versions to ensure commonality in joint operations, training, logistics, etc. Making a system suitable for the land based scenario compatible with the sea based need may not be feasible, but sea base aircraft avionics should at least be compatible with operating components of the land based ground elements. The timing for this system is immediate because of our reduction in forward operating locations. Our forces must be ready and mobile enough to fight in conflicts of varying intensity, location and circumstance without mission degradation due to visibility constraints.
Portable capability is a high priority of special operating forces.
Deficiencies are summarized as follows. Current systems have limited rapid deployment capability, are difficult to transport, require extended periods of time to set up, and require favorable weather conditions during assembly and system checkout. The variety of systems in use makes it difficult to realize logistics and support savings and results in higher life cycle costs as systems are upgraded. The principal threat to precision landing systems will come from intercept and geo-locating systems capable of detecting, positioning, identifying, controlling, and disrupting the landing. Other likely threats include disruption of open, non-secure radio communications, limited and relatively unsophisticated electronic countermeasure available to potential adversaries, and terrorist or saboteur forces destroying any ground based devices used.