ChatNC3: Can the US trust AI in nuclear command, control and communications?

ChatNC3: Can the US trust AI in nuclear command, control and communications?
ChatNC3: Can the US trust AI in nuclear command, control and communications?

Self-driving cars still get into accidents on highways, an environment for which there is abundant data to train algorithms, expert Paul Scharre said. “What is the training data set we have for nuclear war?”

Navy picks Northrop to deliver nuclear command TACAMO aircraft

Navy picks Northrop to deliver nuclear command TACAMO aircraft
Navy picks Northrop to deliver nuclear command TACAMO aircraft

The plane will be the successor to the E-6B Mercury.

AI has role to play in protecting American nuclear C2 systems: STRATCOM head

AI has role to play in protecting American nuclear C2 systems: STRATCOM head
AI has role to play in protecting American nuclear C2 systems: STRATCOM head

The STRATCOM head emphasized the strategic advantages that AI and ML will add to NC3 systems, but said that a human must still be involved in the loop as this will “maximize the adoption of these capabilities and maintain our edge over our adversaries.” 

Space Force analyzing next-gen missile warning/tracking, NC3 options

Space Force analyzing next-gen missile warning/tracking, NC3 options
Space Force analyzing next-gen missile warning/tracking, NC3 options

Col. Robert Davis, program executive officer for SSC’s Space Sensing Directorate, told the National Security Space Association today that the SWAC study might affect how follow-on satellites are designed and, perhaps, hardened to radiation.

NC3 space systems face critical modernization challenges, new study finds

NC3 space systems face critical modernization challenges, new study finds
NC3 space systems face critical modernization challenges, new study finds

The study notes that NC3 is one of the least understood of the many parts that make up the US nuclear weapons architecture, in part because of the high levels of secrecy that surround it. Thus, it is difficult for policymakers and service leaders to focus needed attention on it.

Still ways to go before mil-to-mil talks with China restart: NSC official

Still ways to go before mil-to-mil talks with China restart: NSC official
Still ways to go before mil-to-mil talks with China restart: NSC official

“Right now, of course, the secretary of defense does not have a counterpart; there is no [Chinese] minister of defense. We’re going to have to probably wait on that one,” NSC official Sarah Beran said.

Draft House defense policy bill would speed hypersonic missile defense interceptor

Draft House defense policy bill would speed hypersonic missile defense interceptor
Draft House defense policy bill would speed hypersonic missile defense interceptor

The draft National Space Authorization Act would also push Space Force on integrating commercial data and on over-classification of space programs.

Northrop v Collins: Industry teams for nuclear command, control plane competition emerge

Northrop v Collins: Industry teams for nuclear command, control plane competition emerge
Northrop v Collins: Industry teams for nuclear command, control plane competition emerge

Northrop Grumman announced a high-powered team today, but industry reps told Breaking Defense another team is forming around Collins Aerospace, setting up a showdown.

DoD rejiggers $96 billion Sentinel ICBM program to minimize delay

DoD rejiggers $96 billion Sentinel ICBM program to minimize delay
DoD rejiggers $96 billion Sentinel ICBM program to minimize delay

As officials described how they’ll spend billions on America’s nuclear arsenal and presented rosy outlooks, California’s Rep. John Garamendi retorted, “The fact of the matter is every single one of these systems are behind schedule and over budget, every single one of them.”

Space Development Agency missile tracking data will inform NC3

Space Development Agency missile tracking data will inform NC3
Space Development Agency missile tracking data will inform NC3

While the timeframe for certifying SDA’s Tracking Layer as part of the nuclear attack sensor network remains unclear, SDA Director Derek Tournear said there is “plenty of time” to get it done.

Sentinel and Raider: Where these two legs of the nuclear triad stand today

Sentinel and Raider: Where these two legs of the nuclear triad stand today
Sentinel and Raider: Where these two legs of the nuclear triad stand today

The new ICBM and B-21 bomber will be a “stabilizing force” for strategic deterrence that is born digital to meet evolving threats.

Strategic forces subcommittee frets over aging ‘Doomsday’ nuclear command planes

Strategic forces subcommittee frets over aging ‘Doomsday’ nuclear command planes
Strategic forces subcommittee frets over aging ‘Doomsday’ nuclear command planes

The House subcommittee’s markup of the fiscal 2023 defense policy bill also calls upon GAO to review the effectiveness of the NC3 Enterprise Center run by STRATCOM.

US eyes proposal to prohibit tampering with national security satellite C2 systems

US eyes proposal to prohibit tampering with national security satellite C2 systems
US eyes proposal to prohibit tampering with national security satellite C2 systems

“We recognize our ASAT commitment doesn’t cover all ASAT threats, including space based ASAT systems. But we think it is important to take a first step to address the most pressing threats,” said Eric Desautels, a senior State Department official involved in negotiating international accords.

Why nuclear command and control can’t be separated from JADC2

Why nuclear command and control can’t be separated from JADC2
Why nuclear command and control can’t be separated from JADC2

STRATCOM head Gen. Chas Richard said he’s “very concerned” about “opportunistic aggression” with regards to China and Russia. He also noted the government has whiffed on its plutonium pit production goal.