Next-Gen Nuclear Missile Viewed as Pathfinder
12/4/2020
By Jon Harper
The Pentagon’s effort to acquire new intercontinental ballistic missiles is being touted as a program that could serve as a model for future modernization initiatives. The project faces a tight schedule with little margin for hiccups.
The Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, or GBSD, program aims to replace the aging Minuteman III nuclear-armed ICBMs that first became operational in 1970.
In September, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $13.3 billion engineering and manufacturing development contract for the effort. The eight-year EMD phase will include weapon system design, qualification, test and evaluation and nuclear certification. Afterward the platform is expected to move into production.
https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/12/4/next-gen-nuclear-missile-viewed-as-pathfinder
