As the new administration and Congress prepare. to take a critical look at the nuclear triad and overall need for nuclear modernization, the head of U.S. Strategic Command warned lawmakers that a reduction in the overall force could mean a return to Cold War norms. During testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Adm. Charles A. Richard said that while he welcomes a renewed review of the nuclear posture, cutting the intercontinental ballistic missile force and shifting to a “dyad” approach would require the military to completely reshape operations. “If you don’t have intercontinental ballistic missiles, we can’t meet that criteria. You are completely dependent on the submarine leg, and I’ve already told the Secretary of Defense that under those conditions I would request to re-alert the bombers.”

U.S. Central Command and American diplomats are working with nations surrounding Afghanistan on agreements to base troops and aircraft for counter terrorism inside the country following the military’s withdrawal. CENTCOM boss Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee on April 20, said the command is going through “detailed planning” on what future operational plans and force laydowns could be after the withdrawal, which will be completed by Sept. 11, 2001. The ability to base aircraft and counter terrorism forces in nearby nations would make this easier, though there’s “no agreement with neighboring nations yet,” McKenzie said.

The proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems, usually commercially available drones that can be outfitted to drop weapons, is the most “persistent and dangerous” threat to troops in the Middle East in decades. “These small- and medium-sized UAS proliferating across the [area of operations] present a new and complex threat to our forces, and those of our partners and allies,” U.S. Central Command boss USMC Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. told the House Armed Services Committee on April 20. “For the first time since the Korean War, we are operating without complete air superiority.”

China and Russia made huge strides in missile technology, while U.S. air base defense has languished. Now the United States is playing catch-up.

Sustainment of the F-35 is rapidly becoming the most profitable part of the program, as growing numbers of jets, bases and depots drive a greater demand for parts and services, top Lockheed Martin officials said in an April 20 corporate earnings call. The comments come against a backdrop of criticism of the F-35 for its high sustainment costs. Top executives also said the government needs to shift to a different, “80 percent” paradigm in testing to achieve needed acquisition speed.