US military leaders outline future modernisation of ICBM and deterrence strategy
Adm Charles A Richard, head of US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) outlined future plans for the modernisation of US ICBM, submarines and strategic bombers during a 13 February hearing in the US Senate.
As part of the proposed FY2021 defence budget, the DoD will fund the first Columbia-class submarine to replace the retiring Ohio-class fleet which is said to be nearing the end of its service life.
Richard said that ‘we are reaching physics and engineering limits such that you cannot extend it’.
Furthermore, he indicated that the Minuteman III ICBM will need to be replaced by another Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, which the DoD hopes will be fully operational by 2036.
Finally, Richard confirmed that the B-52 bombers in use by the USAF will remain in service for an additional 30 years with planned upgrades, but the B-2 stealth bomber will be phased out and replaced by the B-21, beginning in the 2030s.
During the hearing, USAF General Terrence J O’Shaughnessy, commander of US Northern Command, also highlighted the need for the US to invest in hypersonic weapons and research to counter activities of Russia and China, which have carried out joint exercises in recent months.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
