Pentagon Raises $95.8B to Replace Minuteman 3 Arsenal- Can This Discourage War?

Pentagon wants to replace Minuteman 3 arsenal with new nuclear missiles. The law enforcement agency has now raised a whopping $95.8 billion, which is the estimated cost of fielding a modern fleet of land-based atomic weapons to replace the 50-year-old arsenal.

The Independent UK reported that four years ago, Pentagon only estimated that the budget needed is only $10 billion. Right now, the American nuclear force considers intercontinental ballistic missiles or ICBMs as part of its near-total replacement over the next few decades, which cost more than $1.2 trillion.

According to the Military Times' latest report, William J. Perry, the former Defense Secretary of Pentagon, argues that the U.S. national security can protect the country without using the ICBMs. However, the agency said that these weapons are essential to prevent war.

Trump administration commits to field new ICBMs

A 2018 review of nuclear policy revealed that the Trump administration publicly announced its commitment to support a new generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The review concluded that ICBMs can survive anything except a large-scale nuclear attack.

"To destroy U.S. ICBMs on the ground, an adversary would need to launch a precisely coordinated attack with hundreds of high-yield and accurate warheads," added the review, as stated in the Military Times.

The U.S. builds new fleet of ballistic missile submarines

The United States wants to replace the current Ohio-class strategic submarines. The country is currently building a new fleet of ballistic missiles, including a next-generation air-launched nuclear cruise missile, a new long-range nuclear-capable bomber, and new nuclear communication and command system.

Obama administration was the first to launch the nuclear modernization program, which President Donald Trump continued. Pentagon's $95.8 billion cost estimate was provided to Congress last month of September, however the agency refused to announced it publicly.

This article is owned by TechTimes,

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.