US military leaders outline future modernisation of ICBM and deterrence strategy
Adm Charles A Richard, head of US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) outlined future plans for the modernisation of US ICBM, submarines and strategic bombers during a 13 February hearing in the US Senate.
As part of the proposed FY2021 defence budget, the DoD will fund the first Columbia-class submarine to replace the retiring Ohio-class fleet which is said to be nearing the end of its service life.
Richard said that ‘we are reaching physics and engineering limits such that you cannot extend it’.
Furthermore, he indicated that the Minuteman III ICBM will need to be replaced by another Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, which the DoD hopes will be fully operational by 2036.
Finally, Richard confirmed that the B-52 bombers in use by the USAF will remain in service for an additional 30 years with planned upgrades, but the B-2 stealth bomber will be phased out and replaced by the B-21, beginning in the 2030s.
During the hearing, USAF General Terrence J O’Shaughnessy, commander of US Northern Command, also highlighted the need for the US to invest in hypersonic weapons and research to counter activities of Russia and China, which have carried out joint exercises in recent months.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
