Under the just-released QDR, the Air Force will reduce its Minuteman III ICBM fleet by 50 missiles. Officials would not provide details as to which Minuteman base would take the cut. Speculation has started, with the Great Falls Tribune reporting that one squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., would be a logical candidate, according to Brig. Gen. Tom Deppe, commander of 20th Air Force, which oversees USAF missile operations. The reason: One of Malmstrom’s missile squadron’s has a different control system than used in the other nine squadrons. It would make financial sense to eliminate the oddball. However, Deppe added that Air Force Space Command could use another financial test—a missile facility’s distance from its home base.
Congress Passes $839 Billion Budget for Defense
Feb. 3, 2026
Congress officially passed the fiscal 2026 defense spending bill Feb. 3 after a House of Representatives vote, approving $839 billion in Pentagon funding and sending the package to President Donald Trump for his signature.
