Cost of modernizing US Air Force’s nuclear missile arsenal increases by over 80%
CNN
The US Air Force’s project to modernize its nuclear missile arsenal is projected to cost approximately $141 billion, which is roughly 81% more than previously anticipated, and will be delayed by several years, officials said Monday.
The US Air Force’s project to modernize its nuclear missile arsenal is projected to cost approximately $141 billion, which is roughly 81% more than previously anticipated, and will be delayed by several years, officials said Monday. A review of the Sentinel program was conducted after the Air Force said in January its costs were exceeding baseline projections. The review found that the cost of the program is estimated to be $140.9 billion — an 81% increase from the cost estimate made in September 2020. The Sentinel program is a massive effort to replace the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system, which was introduced in the 1970s, with Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles. According to Air Force Global Strike Command, the Sentinel will extend the US’ land-based nuclear capabilities “through 2075.” “There are reasons for this cost growth, but there are also no excuses,” Dr. Bill LaPlante, the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said on Monday. “We fully appreciate the magnitude of the cost, but we also understand the risks of not modernizing our nuclear forces, and of not addressing the very real threats we confront.” As a result of the cost increase, LaPlante said he has directed the Air Force to restructure the program and put an “appropriate management structure” in place to control costs — which will delay it by “several years.” He also rescinded approval for it to enter the engineering and manufacturing development phase. Typically, if the costs of a program increase by 25% or more, it has to be terminated unless the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment “certifies to Congress that the program meets established criteria to continue,” a news release on Monday said.
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