Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) (VER 6)

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1166939 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD)recently designated the LGM-35A Sentinel missileis expected to replace the Minuteman III (MMIII) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in the U.S. nuclear force structure. MMIII has served as the ground-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triadland-based ballistic missiles, submarine launched ballistic missiles, and nuclear-capable bomberssince 1970. (For details, see CRS Report RL33640, U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues, by Amy F. Woolf.) The Air Force expects the Sentinel (GBSD) to begin replacing MMIII in 2029. Although some in Congress and outside government have debated whether to continue the program, the BidenAdministration has included $3.6 billion for the GBSD program in its FY2023 budget request and is expected to endorse the program in its Nuclear Posture Review.

Author(s):
Woolf, Amy F
Author Organization(s):
Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service
Funding Organization(s):
Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service , Washington , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2022 Apr 05
Pagination:
3

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRS-IF11681
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
intercontinental ballistic missiles, air force, ballistic missiles, composite materials, ground based, united states, congress, intellectual property, materials, rockets, weapon systems, weapons, computer programs, security, booster rocket engines, costs, force structure
Keyword(s):
gbsd (Ground Based Strategic Deterrent), LGM-35A Sentinel missiles, Modularity, mmiii (Minuteman III), mmiii icbm, icbm (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles), Improved Throw Weight
Subject Categories:
Guided Missle Technology
Creation Date:
2022 Apr 19
Update Date:
2022 Jun 09