US Upgrade Of Nuclear Triad Systems 'At Risk Of Delays' - Government Accountability Office

US Upgrade of Nuclear Triad Systems 'At Risk of Delays' - Government Accountability Office

The United States is working to modernize its nuclear triad of bomber aircraft, intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, but the upgrade is at risk of delays, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said on Thursday

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 06th May, 2021) The United States is working to modernize its nuclear triad of bomber aircraft, intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, but the upgrade is at risk of delays, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said on Thursday.

"DOD [Department of Defense] and DOE [Department of Energy] are working to replace triad systems nearing retirement, but these replacement programs face schedule risks that could exacerbate challenges with existing triad systems," the GAO said in a report to Congress.

GAO said in the report the risk factors include concurrency between phases of acquisition programs from development through production, immature technologies and limited schedule margin. Many Energy Department facilities needed for these efforts are outdated or obsolete with more than half being over 40 years old, the report said.

GAO also said both departments have limited ability to mitigate risks to the efficacy of the nuclear deterrent with their current strategy, and "are beginning to consider alternatives."