New Conventional Force Technology and the NATO-Warsaw Pact Balance: Pact II

Abstract

This Paper will centre on the policy implications of new and available technology for conventional force improvements for the defence of Western Europe. To develop a context for this discussion, specific missions which are in nato’s operational plans and which today rely to a large extent on the threat of the use of a significant number of nuclear weapons will be examined. In attempting to improve nato’s conventional posture and at the same time reduce dependence on the early use of nuclear weapons, an approach will be taken which envisages a range of technologies and the overall environment in nato. This environment will bear heavily on the political, military, economic and technical feasibility of adopting conventional force improvements of one form or another.