In a comparison of nuclear weapons security measures taken by Energy and Defense, the Government Accountability Office found DOD lacking in several respects, according to a new GAO report. DOD partially concurred with several findings, such as the need to ensure services consider alternatives and cost-benefit analyses when implementing nuclear security measures and a need for more specific guidance for local commander to develop threat assessments. GAO believes the Air Force and Navy should provide local commanders with better intelligence collection and assessment capabilities; DOD said it first needs to conduct a “comprehensive study” to determine any capability gaps. GAO also said that USAF needed to centrally manage and track funding for nuclear weapon security; DOD concurred.
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.