Vipin Narang, DoD’s top nuclear policy official, explained that while current modernization plans — estimated by the Government Accountability Office last October to cost at least $350 billion over the next two decades — are “necessary,” they “may well be insufficient” to meet current and future threats.
By Theresa HitchensWhen the stakes for space missions are at their highest, solid rocket motors meet the challenge
Rapid response is crucial in defense, and the instant thrust provided by SRMs provide a tactical advantage.
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.
By Theresa Hitchens The Air Force revealed today that it has embarked on a restructuring of the troubled but critical long-range missile program, which is now expected to cost 81 percent more than initially estimated.
By Michael Marrow
An official with prime contractor Northrop Grumman defended the beleaguered program, and said, “looking for that blame, I think, is hard because it really was just an immense challenge.”
By Michael Marrow
“It’s just about the overall budget of the Air Force and what we’re able to afford and what we’re not able to afford,” explained Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter of the decision to cut the birds.
By Michael Marrow
Chief Executive Officer Kathy Warden said that despite cost growth for the company’s Sentinel ICBM program, the company’s “near-term assumptions” of its sales and profitability are not “materially impacted.”
By Michael Marrow Air Force Lt. Gen. Rick Moore also spoke favorably of investing in “surge” capacity for things like munitions production, though he said the idea may not be popular outside the Air Force.
By Michael Marrow
Enabling seamless operations across land, air, sea, space, and cyber
The real advantage comes when legacy, new, next generation and cutting-edge systems can work together in the battlespace.
The Minuteman III replacement’s costs ballooned by 37 percent and will take about two years longer than expected as officials reportedly discover hidden complications of silo construction.
By Michael Marrow Kendall also expressed concern about the effects of a likely continuing resolution on key programs, including the Advanced Battle Management System and the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile.
By Theresa Hitchens The new Mk21A reentry vehicle will be mounted atop the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile and will carry an updated nuclear warhead known as the W87-1.
By Michael Marrow
For US nuclear stocks, Jill Hruby of the Department of Energy said, “this is the most demanding moment in the history of our nation’s nuclear enterprise since the Manhattan Project.”
By Theresa Hitchens
Pentagon acquisition of space systems needs to be “faster and leaner,” stressed Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., who is expected to chair the House strategic forces subcommittee next year.
By Theresa Hitchens
New Pentagon report highlights China’s growing nuclear arsenal, but stresses a broader danger: miscalculation by Beijing or Washington.
By Colin Clark
CSIS’s Sarah Mineiro argues that bureaucracy is endangering the well-being of the most powerful weapons on the planet.
By Sarah Mineiro