The Air Force is finalizing the main requirements for the program Ground Based Strategic Deterrent that will have to give light to a new ballistic missile that will remain in service until 2080. The cost of the new strategic terrestrial component is currently estimated at 85 billion dollars (downward projection), but could exceed that of the F-35 program. The funds are divided as follows: 22,6 billion for research and development, 61,5 billion for procurement and 718 million for the optimization of military facilities.
The Air Force should buy 642 missiles at an average cost of 66,4 million dollars each, although the number may be subject to change. Between the 2036 and the 2040, an additional expenditure of 1,25 billion per year is estimated for operations and support costs. The United States has 450 ICBM Minuteman III in the silos of Wyoming, North Dakota and Montana. Each missile carries a single warhead of 300 kilotons.
On the Minuteman fleet, based on non-proliferation treaties, the MIRV / MARV capacity was removed. The first funds will be included in the 2018 budget request, but the program Ground Based Strategic Deterrent will receive additional financing to deal with the testing operations of the future replacement of Minuteman III.
The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center believes that at least six years of design are required, with the first flight scheduled between the 2023 and the 2025. The uncertainty also stems from the fact that the Air Force does not know the costs and the time needed to develop a new ICBM.
Speaking yesterday at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, Defense Secretary Ash Carter emphasized the importance of the GBSD program, reiterating the centrality of the nuclear force as an essential foundation of American stability.
Boeing collaborates with the Air Force from the 1958 to the design, assembly and verification of the system Minuteman.
(photo: US Air Force)
