Publication

This paper assesses the arguments for and against the replacement of the US’ 1) nuclear Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) with the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) weapon; and 2) the Minuteman III ICBM force with the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). The authors find that the US Department of Defense has invested significant funds to extend ALCMs and Minuteman IIIs far past their original planned service lives. However, it is increasingly apparent that these Cold War-era weapon systems will not meet future requirements, and further delaying their replacements could undermine the sustainability of the US strategic deterrent posture.