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.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.