The Air Force reportedly is still considering the use of Minuteman ICBMs fitted with conventional warheads to answer the quick global strike requirement, but service, industry, and congressional stakeholders alike remain skittish, believing such a capability would make everyone else in the world very nervous. A conventional ICBM launch would look just like the launch of a nuke, and other nuclear powers might not be inclined to believe Washington reassurances via the hotline.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…