A great deal of the current cost of our Tomahawk missiles is tied up in their sophisticated guidance system. Shifting the target acquisition and guidance complexity from the weapon to off-board sensors will lower the unit cost and size of our weapons. A fully networked sensor system could detect and track targets centrally and provide in-flight target updates to various weapons of the Joint Task Force. Space-based sensors will continue to be limited by orbital mechanics, aperture size, cloud cover, power, and enemy cover and deception. Flexible and maneuverable sea-based sensors will be required to close the fire control loop.
Submarines have unique inherent advantages for deploying and controlling sensors.
Consider the utility of Special Operations Forces deployed from a submarine and employing their own unique sensors over land. These submarine-based forces could become an important adjunct to a system of sensors capable of reacting as needed to enemy deception tactics. Against many targets, small, precise weapons are fully effective. Because of this variability, we should structure our development and procurement to ensure a capability for deploying a mix of such weapons and their associated sensors. Modular submarine design concepts will ensure that the Submarine Force will always be able to deploy a tailored mix of weapons for specific mission needs.