What is a strategic deterrent?

The goal of strategic deterrence is to dissuade adversaries from launching a nuclear attack. This guaranteed retaliation is a powerful deterrent to opponents considering a first strike.

What does GBSD mean?

The U.S. Air Force’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) is the weapon system replacement for the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM). GBSD represents the modernization of the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad.

What is the GBSD missile?

AFA: The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program to replace the Air Force’s aging Minuteman III missiles is entering a new stage of development, as it begins to pass through a series of critical design reviews (CDRs) and aims for a 2023 test flight.

What is replacing the Minuteman 3?

New GBSD To Fly in 2023; No Margin Left for Minuteman – Air Force Magazine. Minuteman III nuclear missiles will be replaced by the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, which won’t enter service until 2029. Warren Air Force Base missile complex in Wyoming.

Is deterrence an effective strategy?

A well planned deterrence strategy can be a very effective way of defending a nation. In an uncertain world it can help reassure a nation’s populace, policy makers and allies.

What is immediate deterrence?

Immediate deterrence represents more short-term, urgent attempts to prevent a specific, imminent attack, most typically during a crisis.

How many warheads does the Minuteman 3 carry?

The Minuteman III was the first U.S. missile fitted with MIRVs. Each missile was originally deployed with three warheads for a fleet total of 1,500 warheads on 500 launchers. The U.S. removed 2 warheads from 150 missiles in 2001 in order to meet its treaty obligations under START.

Does the US still have Minuteman missiles?

It was first deployed in 1970 and was the first ICBM to hold MIRVs (Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles). The Minuteman III is the only ICBM still deployed by the United States. As of 2017 there are over 400 Minuteman III missiles on alert in the Great Plains.

How do we achieve deterrence?

Deterrence is the threat of force in order to discourage an opponent from taking an unwelcome action. This can be achieved through the threat of retaliation (deterrence by punishment) or by denying the opponent’s war aims (deterrence by denial).

What is the ground based strategic deterrent?

The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ( GBSD) is a future American land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM) currently in the early stages of development. It is slated to replace the ageing Minuteman III missiles, currently stationed in North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska and Colorado, from 2029 through 2075.

When will the first ground-based strategic deterrent missile fly?

The first example of the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent missile will fly by the end of calendar year 2023 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., program officials revealed, while emphasizing that there’s no further margin to extend the Minuteman III system without risking the credibility of the intercontinental ballistic missile force.

Is Northrop Grumman’s ground based strategic deterrent secure?

Until it’s not. Through our trusted partnership with the U.S. Air Force, Northrop Grumman’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent nationwide team is committed to providing a system that is capable, safe, secure and reliable – and ready at a moment’s notice.

Who are Northrop Grumman’s subcontractors on the GBSD?

In 2020, under the Trump administration, the Department of the Air Force gave the defense contractor, Northrop Grumman, a $13.3 billion sole-source contract for development of GBSD after Boeing withdrew its proposal. Northrop Grumman’s subcontractors on the GBSD include Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Bechtel, and others.