Case Study: The Trillion Dollar

The Trillion Dollar Question November 9, 1989. As the Berlin Wall fell and the Iron Curtain was lifted from Europe, the ever looming threat of nuclear annihilation was too lifted from the world. It appeared to be the dawning of a new era of global cooperation and prosperity. However this thin veil of peace was short lasting. A new century brought new threats: Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, the Russian annexation of Crimea. However the new century also brought new technology. America’s nuclear arsenal is aging, and something must be done about it. Due to increasing world tension and the advancement of modern technology, the United States should modernize its nuclear arsenal by replacing and upgrading its current weapons and weapon platforms. Nuclear missiles are the metaphorical “bread and butter” of any nuclear arsenal. Intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMS, are able to deliver a payload to anywhere in the world in under an hour. Currently the United States has around 440 missiles, each capable of carrying up to three warheads. America’s current ICBM, the Minuteman III, has been in service since the early 70’s. And for the past 40 years, the Minuteman has undergone numerous life extension programs (Sources?).
The Air Force is currently planning its last
The first is scheduled to launch in 2031. There will be a total of twelve ships in the fleet. Each submarine will be able to carry 12 of the improved Trident II. Each of the SLBM will undergo a complete revamping (NNSA C-4). The navy estimates that the life extension program will add forty years to the lifespan of each missile. The main focus of the program will be on modernizing and improving the various electrical systems found within the SLBM. However it will also improve other components, such as the propulsion system and the targeting system.