Collins Aerospace to build secondary launch platform for next-gen US nukes
Secondary Launch Platform-Airborne forms part of GBSD engineering and manufacturing development
Collins Aerospace has been selected by prime contractor Northrop Grumman to deliver the launch platform for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) ICBM modernisation programme.
The value of the contract and timeframe for completion were undisclosed.
In supporting the GBSD engineering and manufacturing development phase, Collins Aerospace will lead the Secondary Launch Platform-Airborne (SLP-A) effort.
This replaces the Airborne Launch Control System capability used on the Minuteman III system since the 1970s, the company noted on 9 November.
Heather Robertson, vice-president and general manager of Collins Aerospace, said: ‘The SLP-A is a comprehensive nuclear command and control solution which we’re developing to meet the needs of the modern battlespace.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
