US Strategic Command’s Global Thunder exercise last June was the most extensive nuclear command, control, and communications event of its kind in more than a decade, says Gen. Kevin Chilton, STRATCOM boss. “It demonstrated the full range of nuclear deterrence capabilities by integrating submarine strategic deterrent patrols, more than 90 aircraft sorties, an ICBM test launch, and five days of continuous airborne command-and-control operations,” Chilton told the Senate Armed Services Committee March 26. He added, “Global Thunder’s success demonstrated the readiness of America’s strategic forces.” STRATCOM has expanded Global Thunder from a command post exercise to a more extensive field exercise as part of the Defense Department’s efforts to restore the focus on deterrence and the nuclear mission. Global Thunder is normally an annual event, but its dates are not disclosed beforehand, a STRATCOM spokesman told the Daily Report Wednesday. (Chilton prepared remarks)
Exasperated with the delays to the F-35’s Tech Refresh 3 update—which has held up deliveries of completed fighters since last fall—the House Armed Services Committee wants to slash the military services’ fiscal 2025 F-35 purchase by at least 10 aircraft and as much as 20.