AFSPC acting commander Klotz says that ongoing propulsion, guidance, and other upgrade programs for the Minuteman III ICBM are coming along well. “We continue to make steady progress on the Guidance Replacement Program,” Klotz said Tuesday. “As of this morning,” 387 of the 500 Minuteman missiles had been upgraded with new guidance kits, while 250 boosters have been upgraded with new solid-fuel propellant under the Propulsion Replacement Program. At an early phase are rocket engine refurbishments, 42 of which are done, with a target completion date on track for 2013.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
