Armed Forces Prepared to Release Additional Nuclear Weapons Following Conclusion of Arms Control Accord
Let's talk nukes, baby! The Air Force is keen on beefing up its nuclear arsenal when the New START Treaty, expiring in 2026, bites the dust. According to Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, the Air Force Global Strike Command boss, they're ready to add more warheads to their bombers and missiles if given the green light. This includes the slick B-21 Raider bombers, with rumors suggesting a buy larger than the planned 100units.
More MIRVs, more problems? The end of the New START Treaty means America might be able to load multiple warheads on their missiles again, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will. A spokesperson noted that specific postures and plans would depend on the National Command Authority, which includes the prez and secdef.
In the meantime, the Air Force is dealing with some budget hiccups on the Sentinel ICBM program, the successor to the Minuteman III missiles. This program aims to deploy a new generation of nuclear weapons, but it's over budget by 81%, costing almost $141B, and delayed by 3 years. Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink assures us they're doing everything to get it back on track, though.
The Sentinel's cost overruns mainly stem from the expenses of building launch facilities and command-and-control infrastructure. Bussiere remains optimistic about progress, pointing to promising activities between industry, ops and maintenance professionals, and acquisition pros.
Despite these challenges, Congress is ready to shell out $4.5B to ramp up B-21 production at Northrop Grumman. The question on everyone's mind? Is 100 B-21s enough, or should the Air Force consider a larger buy? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—nuclear modernization ain't cheap. Proponents argue that keeping other nuclear-armed nations at bay is worth the hefty price tag.
As for the Minuteman III missiles, they're not going anywhere anytime soon. The Air Force has a "very deliberate plan" to keep enough of 'em around while transitioning to the Sentinel program. It's a national priority to keep Minuteman III functional until Sentinel can take over.
Lastly, let's not forget about China, now considered a near-peer nuclear power to the U.S. and Russia. North Korea has also been beefing up its nuclear forces, receiving nuclear missile guidance from Russia in return for troops and aid during their little Ukrainian war. With modernizing missiles and growing bomber forces, the USA is gearing up for a potential showdown in the not-so-distant future. Brace yourselves, folks, 'cause it's gonna be a wild ride!
1. The Air Force plans to expand its nuclear arsenal, with General Thomas A. Bussiere ready to equip more bombers and missiles, including potential B-21 Raider bombers, should the New START Treaty not be renewed.
2. Following the end of the New START Treaty, America may reintroduce Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) on its missiles, but the specifics will depend on the National Command Authority.
3. The Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program, successor to the Minuteman III missiles, faces budget issues, being over budget by 81% and delayed by three years, with costs mainly attributed to launch facilities and command-and-control infrastructure.
4. Despite these challenges, Congress has allocated $4.5B to speed up B-21 production, raising questions about whether 100 B-21s are enough or if a larger purchase should be considered.
5. When it comes to the Minuteman III missiles, the Air Force has a strategic plan to maintain an adequate number of them while transitioning to the Sentinel program, recognizing their importance as a national priority.
6. The rise of China as a near-peer nuclear power alongside Russia and North Korea's continuous nuclear advancements signal a potential future showdown, with the USA making significant efforts to modernize its missiles and grow its bomber forces in preparation.
