The Defense Department’s nuclear command, control and communications system is now under review amid increasing threats in cyber and space domains as cited in the Nuclear Posture Review, SpaceNews reported Wednesday.
The NC3 system includes communications satellites, ground stations and aircraft; control centers for nuclear platforms; and warning satellites and radars.
“Discussions are taking place at the secretary of defense and chairman levels,†Gen. Robin Rand, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, said Wednesday at an Air Force Association event.
Rand noted that the U.S. Strategic Command “will have a heavy role†in the NC3 review effort that is led by Joint Chiefs of Staff director of operations.
“The Joint Staff is leading a planning team consisting of DoD NC3 subject matter experts and stakeholders in an effort to review and make recommendations on improvements to NC3 governance,†Maj. Will Powell, a spokesman for the Joint Staff, told the publication in a statement.
“Current planning efforts are on track to provide recommendations to the secretary of defense by May 1,†Powell added.
