NATION : ‘Desert Shield’ Costs to Double

WASHINGTON — The massive U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf could cost more than $30 billion--double previous estimates--and other countries will be asked to help pay the bill, defense officials said today.

The officials said a detailed Pentagon cost analysis of the operation for fiscal 1991 ending next Sept. 30 is almost ready for presentation to Congress.

The officials confirmed a report in today’s New York Times that the cost of adding more than 150,000 additional troops, hundreds of tanks, aircraft and ships to U.S. forces already in the region will roughly double the previously estimated $15-billion cost for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.

Officials said other countries such as Japan, Germany and Saudi Arabia have already pledged about $10 billion to help pay for “Operation Desert Shield” and will be asked to contribute more.