Military Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD): Assessing Future Needs

RS21141 -- Military Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD): Assessing Future Needs

Updated June 5, 2006

Summary

Suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD) has been a central element of projecting military air power for over 50 years. However, several developments suggest that this mission is of growing importance to the Department of Defense (DOD). Some say that the emergence of new technologies and air defenses will increasingly challenge U.S. SEAD efforts. Making budgetary judgments on SEAD programs and processes requires the assessment of complex factors. This report will be updated.