Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel recently convened an ICBM Development Offsite meeting at Hill AFB, Utah, to focus on the state of missile acquisition and its challenges in the years ahead. Senior leaders from Air Force Space Command and former leaders in the ballistic missile community gathered to develop strategies on sustaining forces while going through extensive modernization of systems and re-energizing ICBM deployment. Attendees agreed that the ICBM community must focus on several areas, including the retention of a skilled ICBM work force and program to sustain and evolve the Minuteman III fleet, maintain AFSPC’s lead in nuclear deterrence, and pursue Prompt Global Strike capability along with investment in technology.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.