August 19, 2014

Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent AoA Highlights Hybrid Model

By ExchangeMonitor

The Air Force has recommended today’s 450 Minuteman III’s be replaced by up to 420 “hybrid” ground-based strategic deterrents by 2030, according to reports. The concept is a result of a GBSD Analysis of Alternatives completed in July and has been tentatively approved in recent meetings with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, ?an Aug. 19 Nextgov article reported?. But a $28 million funding lapse is potentially delaying the new missile’s development by two years, according to Nextgov, which cited federal budget documents and interviews with defense sources. The money would have given contractors Boeing, General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin access to Air Force Research Laboratory-built hardware necessary for assembly of solid-state technology, which is deemed essential for guiding GBSD missiles to their targets.

The more accurate, single-warhead hybrid missile would incorporate the Minuteman III’s fundamental design, communications systems and current launch silos, but swap out aging rocket motors and targeting-guidance systems, according to the article. “While the Air Force awaits formal, written confirmation that its hybrid option can proceed, this missile design also would maintain a possibility for the GBSD weapons to be made mobile,” the article states. “The optional feature could allow the missiles to be removed from their silos and dispersed by rail or truck if a nuclear attack against the United States appeared imminent, increasing their ability to survive, officials said.

Global Strike Command officials declined to comment to NS&D Monitor about the report. “[T]he GBSD Analysis of Alternatives final report is still pre-decisional and has not yet been validated by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Capability Assessment and Program Evaluation Division,” wrote command spokeswoman Kathryn Blais. “Therefore, to ensure consistency, we cannot get out ahead of OSD’s official decision on the way ahead for GBSD.”

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