Citation

Molas-Gallart J. Def. Peace Econ. 1995; 6(2): 141-158.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10430719508404820

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

It is often stated that technological change in the military field is characterised by the introduction of radical innovations rather than by incremental processes of technological change. This article illustrates the diversity of military innovation by arguing that technological change in missiles systems is dominated by incremental change. While some large weapons platforms display the design rigidities normally associated with complex systems, missiles are characterised by “flexible modularity”. Flexible modularity facilitates the continuous introduction of upgrades, and makes missile systems amenable to gradual technological change. Besides, it has significant implications for the future role of missile systems, and poses special problems for missile disarmament and technology control initiatives.