Mike Carey’s Post

🤝#NEWS More comprehensive nuclear deterrence capabilities and sustainment are on the horizon with the merging of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Systems Directorate and the Minuteman III Systems Directorate. The new Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Systems Directorate will be responsible for providing the most responsive nuclear deterrence capability and sustainment for Air Force Global Strike Command through two major programs, the LGM-30G Minuteman III and LGM-35A Sentinel. The reorganization is part of AFNWC’s ongoing efforts to optimize its processes to better meet the needs of the United States Air Force. It will execute over $6 billion annually for the land-based leg of the nuclear triad, which includes the modernization and sustainment of ICBMs and associated weapon system command and control, flight and launch systems, missile silos, and other ground infrastructure. #ICBM #nuclear #defense #USAF

Minuteman ➡️ Sentinel The United States Air Force is replacing the 54-year-old LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM weapon system with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, ensuring the land-based leg of America's Nuclear Triad remains safe, secure and effective. Today's dynamic security environment only underscores the importance of our nation's defense strategy and the extended deterrence commitments we have made to our Allies and Partners. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eP76JFuP United States Department of Defense | United States Strategic Command | Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center | 20th Air Force

An Excellent Article on AUKUS by my friend and colleague, Mary Anne Zivnuska, and the protection of Navy Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI). Great Job discussing this very important international treaty and one of the many complex National Security challenges involving AUKUS. #navy #legal #AUKUS #nuclear

Nuclear deterrence is the number one mission of the DoD. The Sentinel program is just part of the nuclear modernization effort underway, but it's the one nearest and dearest! We win every war that never starts, and the land leg of the triad is the backbone of our strategic deterrence.

Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the U.S. Sentinel ICBM program, a key component of America's nuclear modernization efforts aimed at replacing the aging Minuteman III missiles. However, critics argue that this costly program may not address modern security needs, as stationary ICBMs are increasingly vulnerable to preemptive strikes. Additionally, some experts believe these missiles could escalate risks, pressuring decision-makers to act hastily in crises. Proponents of the Sentinel program counter that it strengthens U.S. nuclear deterrence, enhancing the reliability and security of America’s arsenal against evolving global threats. Despite cost overruns and competition with other vital defense programs, the Sentinel remains a priority for the U.S. Department of Defense. Nevertheless, the program has raised questions about strategic priorities, as the financial burden impacts other U.S. Air Force projects, reflecting broader budgetary pressures in a challenging defense environment.

The U.S. Air Force has put in motion plans to replace the E-4B Nightwatch, a flying castle designed fight in and survive a nuclear war. The service has picked a contractor, Sierra Nevada Corporation, to convert ex-passenger planes into aircraft capable of surviving the effects of a nuclear attack and help give orders to retaliate. The Nightwatch is a prime example of how unarmed “weapon systems” can be the most deadly ones of all. In April 2024, the U.S. Air Force awarded a $13 billion contract to Sierra Nevada Corporation to replace its current fleet of four E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) aircraft. The replacement aircraft—tentatively known as the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) Weapon System—will enter service in the mid-2030s. The planes—which have acquired the nickname “Nightwatch” for their reputation of being constantly on high alert—are a critical link in a complex chain that deters the U.S.’s adversaries from launching a surprise nuclear attack. https://lnkd.in/e24HfBiq

𝗟𝘂𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲: 𝗙-𝟯𝟱𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The recent announcement of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) receiving its nuclear certification has been warmly welcomed, marking a significant milestone in Germany's procurement of these advanced aircraft. With Germany's decision to purchase 35 F-35A aircraft for both nuclear and conventional strike missions, the nuclear operational certification of the F-35A is a pivotal factor in solidifying the Luftwaffe's strategic capabilities. The timely awarding of this certification by the Joint Program Office (JPO) highlights the efficiency and readiness of the F-35A program. Having surpassed this crucial hurdle ahead of schedule, the Luftwaffe is now poised to enhance its operational readiness and effectiveness. This achievement follows rigorous testing, including nuclear flight trials conducted by the US Air Force's Test and Evaluation Squadrons. The successful release of B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies during the Full-Weapon System Demonstration demonstrates the F-35A's capability and reliability in fulfilling nuclear mission requirements. As Germany continues to modernize its defense capabilities, the integration of the F-35A into the Luftwaffe's fleet represents a significant step forward in ensuring national security and defense readiness.

First, it improves theater deterrence options by decreasing reliance on aircraft-delivered weapons. Second, it could complement or replace the W76-2, distributing some of the theater deterrence role to attack submarines (SSNs) while reserving ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) for higher levels of conflict. Third, SLCM-N contributes to U.S. arms control, assurance, and nonproliferation objectives as complementary facets of U.S. nuclear strategy.

If you frame the requirement as a “land-based ICBM” there may not be an alternative. However, if you frame the requirement as the most strategic deterrence for the dollar - there are plenty of possible alternatives such as sea-based nuclear missiles, defensive systems, or even improving and increasing conventional forces. You could do a lot for $150+ billion dollars that doesn’t attract a barrage of enemy nuclear weapons to our nation’s heartland. https://lnkd.in/ehbqtCkT

"Edited by James Graham Wilson, the volume provides a wealth of information, much of it new, on a range of national security topics that absorbed the Carter administration from day one, including efforts to make nuclear targeting more flexible, continuity of government concerns (and related command and control issues), MX missile basing, military budgets, emergency action procedures, missile attack false alarms, the strategic balance, and strategic intelligence estimates. Highlights from the new FRUS collection are featured in an Electronic Briefing Book published today by the National Security Archive." #nuclear #emergency #continuity https://lnkd.in/gVt4FpCd