The Defense Department is planning to upgrade the U.S. nuclear defense system through a 30-year modernization plan, Reuters reported Thursday.David Alexander writes the government is preparing to modernize its 1970s-class nuclear weapons with new electronic and tail kit guidance components.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told Reuters the U.S. must set priorities and budget for the upgrade works on nuclear warheads, Â bombers and missiles.
“To modernize your nuclear weapons stockpile and assure that they continue to stay secure and safe, it takes money, it takes resources,” Hagel said.
The Congressional Budget Office projects the upgrade to cost $355 billion over the next 10 years, while the Center for Nonproliferation Studies estimated the amount at $1 trillion.
DoD plans to replace legacy delivery systems with new ballistic missile submarines, long-range nuclear bomber fleet and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
