Clock ticking for the Minuteman
The US strategic nuclear deterrent relies on three key components: air launched weapons, submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and the ground based strategic deterrent (GBSD).
The latter comprises 450 hardened nuclear silos containing Minuteman III missiles that are located in a crescent across the northern US states and operated by the US Air Force’s Global Strike Command.
‘Minuteman is a vital part of our nuclear deterrent triad,’ explained Frank McCall, programme manager GBSD at Boeing strategic missile and defense systems. ‘Minuteman is affordable and effective but it is facing some obsolescence issues.’
By any standards, Minuteman is an old
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform]()
British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform
The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) was running the programme for the Light Fires Platform (LFP) which was touted as the replacement for the 105mm L118 Light Gun used by the Royal Artillery (RA) regular and reserve units.
-
![Lockheed Martin successfully fires latest Precision Strike Missile as programme progresses]()
Lockheed Martin successfully fires latest Precision Strike Missile as programme progresses
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile system designed as a replacement and significant upgrade over legacy systems. A key role for PrSM will be for operations from M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270A2 launcher.
-
![Australia embraces quantum technology for precise navigation and targeting]()
Australia embraces quantum technology for precise navigation and targeting
A new project is aiming to deliver a ground-to-satellite optical quantum link, which would allow much more precise battle planning.
-
![Ukraine Defence Contact Group commit another $24 billion for Ukraine]()
Ukraine Defence Contact Group commit another $24 billion for Ukraine
The announcement of the funds followed a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) which consists of 57 countries. The UK has committed a further £350 million to Ukraine to provide repairs and maintenance to previously donated vehicles and equipment and additional equipment.
-
![Pearson Engineering remote mine-clearance system ploughs on]()
Pearson Engineering remote mine-clearance system ploughs on
The Weevil system is built around the Beacon remote control and a Pearson mine-plough. It is being evaluated on a British Army Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) but could be used for other platforms.
-
![Hanwha Defence Australia continues rush of deal signings as it picks up speed with Redback]()
Hanwha Defence Australia continues rush of deal signings as it picks up speed with Redback
Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) has signed a deal with the UK’s Pearson Engineering for combat dozer blades for Redbacks, a contract which follows an engine contract and hull production contract in the past fortnight.
