Latest news with #MinutemanIII
USA Today
a day ago
- Health
- USA Today
Lawmakers want independent re-do of Air Force missile community cancer study
The Air Force started studying cancer rates in the nuclear missile community in 2023 due to pressure from ailing missile officers. Lawmakers may soon order an independent re-do of an ongoing Air Force study on possible cancer risk in personnel manning its nuclear missiles. A provision in the House's draft defense policy bill would, if passed, require the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to commission a study examining "occupational health and safety conditions" in Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile facilities. The sites include the underground alert facilities where Air Force missile officers spend long shifts prepared to launch in the case of nuclear war. The move comes after an independent researcher concluded there is an increase in cases of a rare cancer at an Air Force missile base in Montana, adding another wrinkle to a years-long push for answers. The new, congressionally directed research would also scrutinize the methodology and design of an ongoing Air Force study of the issue. The Air Force Medical Service and Air Force Global Strike Command, which oversees the service's nuclear-armed missile and bomber forces, began studying the missile community's cancer risks in 2023 after a Space Force officer compiled a list of cancer diagnoses at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The Air Force study's preliminary findings indicated troops in the nuclear missile community don't have higher cancer diagnosis or death rates than other active duty servicemembers or the general U.S. population. The official study's environmental surveys, however, confirmed the presence of polychorinated biphenyls − a likely cancer-causing chemical − in alert facilities at Malmstrom and at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. And an independent assessment of self-reported Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases at Malmstrom released in April found an increase in diagnoses among missileers. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska, submitted the independent study amendment, which cleared a key hurdle when it passed the House Armed Services Committee on July 16. Bacon told USA TODAY that a meeting with one of his constituents − an ailing retired missile officer − moved him to author the provision. "Let's make sure that we have some outside experts working with the Air Force," said Bacon, who is a retired Air Force brigadier general. "We want to make sure there's credibility and, whatever results come out, that we've done total due diligence." The Omaha-based representative added that the Air Force needs to learn what's wrong in the aging Minuteman III launch facilities before it builds new ones for the planned Sentinel ICBM. Air Force officials defended the rigor and transparency of their ongoing study in a statement to USA TODAY. "We welcome the opportunity of scientific and medical professionals to review Air Force studies and to provide comments," said Alana Miller, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General. Miller emphasized the internal independence of Air Force epidemiologists conducting the study and their partnerships with external researchers who review their findings. The Torchlight Initiative, an advocacy group for missile community members, praised the independent study amendment in a press release. Torchlight has documented more than 800 self-reported cases of cancer and other exposure-related diseases among ICBM airmen and veterans. "There is an urgent need for ... thorough independent research, formal acknowledgement of likely exposures, and a sustained commitment to safeguard future personnel through enhanced environmental monitoring," the group argued. For the independent study to occur, the provision must make it into the final defense policy bill later this year. The House and Senate typically pass competing versions of the legislation before negotiating a compromise bill for the president's signature. Davis Winkie's role covering nuclear threats and national security at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Outrider Foundation and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.
Business Insider
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
US Air Force will shift funds from a nuclear missile program for $400 million refit on Trump's Qatar jet
The US Air Force will use unspent funds from a missile program to refurbish Trump's new jet. The Boeing 747 was gifted by the Qatari government and will be used as part of Air Force One. Critics have said the cost of refitting the aircraft could be as high as $1 billion. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told a Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing last week that the funds were from "excess to need in 2024," per Defense One. He went on to stress that redirecting the funds would not set back the $140 billion Sentinel program, an initiative to replace the US's aging nuclear missiles that has experienced years of delays and a near doubling of its estimated cost. "Let me be very clear, the Sentinel program is fully funded [and has] all the resources it needs to execute as quickly as possible," he said, per Defense News. The US accepted the Boeing 747 from Qatar back in May, but critics have raised numerous concerns, including the cost of refitting it as well as security issues with turning a foreign jet into a flying White House. Others have criticised the deal over Constitutional rules related to accepting expensive gifts from foreign leaders. Some lawmakers and outside experts have said the expected costs of modifying the jet could be as high as $1 billion, as the aircraft would require extensive retrofitting of security and communications systems before it could be used for presidential air travel. But Meink disputed that cost, and said that refitting the plane would cost around $400 million, and could be completed in a year. Trump, during his first term, signed a contract for two new Boeing aircraft to enter the Air Force One fleet, but delays mean the planes are unlikely to be ready for service until 2027 or 2028, near the end of Trump's second term. The Sentinel program was designed to replace the US's stockpile of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, which can be fitted with nuclear warheads. In January, it was reported that costs for the program were spiralling, from an initial projection of $77 billion to potentially $140 billion. Air Force Global Strike Command oversees the 400 Minuteman III missiles deployed in silos across the central US. These long-range missiles have been one of the most threatening elements of the US nuclear force since they became operational five decades ago. The Sentinels are set to replace them in the 2030s.
Business Insider
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
US Air Force will shift funds from a nuclear missile program for $400 million refit on Trump's Qatar jet
The Pentagon is set to shift funds from the US's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program to refit a jet gifted to the US and President Donald Trump by Qatar. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told a Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing last week that the funds were from "excess to need in 2024," per Defense One. He went on to stress that redirecting the funds would not set back the $140 billion Sentinel program, an initiative to replace the US's aging nuclear missiles that has experienced years of delays and a near doubling of its estimated cost. "Let me be very clear, the Sentinel program is fully funded [and has] all the resources it needs to execute as quickly as possible," he said, per Defense News. The US accepted the Boeing 747 from Qatar back in May, but critics have raised numerous concerns, including the cost of refitting it as well as security issues with turning a foreign jet into a flying White House. Others have criticised the deal over Constitutional rules related to accepting expensive gifts from foreign leaders. Some lawmakers and outside experts have said the expected costs of modifying the jet could be as high as $1 billion, as the aircraft would require extensive retrofitting of security and communications systems before it could be used for presidential air travel. But Meink disputed that cost, and said that refitting the plane would cost around $400 million, and could be completed in a year. Trump, during his first term, signed a contract for two new Boeing aircraft to enter the Air Force One fleet, but delays mean the planes are unlikely to be ready for service until 2027 or 2028, near the end of Trump's second term. The Sentinel program was designed to replace the US's stockpile of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, which can be fitted with nuclear warheads. In January, it was reported that costs for the program were spiralling, from an initial projection of $77 billion to potentially $140 billion. Air Force Global Strike Command oversees the 400 Minuteman III missiles deployed in silos across the central US. These long-range missiles have been one of the most threatening elements of the US nuclear force since they became operational five decades ago. The Sentinels are set to replace them in the 2030s.
India.com
23-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile: What is the difference between the three and which one is most dangerous? Does India have all three?
New Delhi: Ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missile are used for different purposes. Let us know what is the difference between ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missile? Ballistic Missile Ballistic missiles are designed for long-range attack. Their minimum range is 1000 kilometers. After launching, these missiles first go out of the earth's atmosphere, then fall towards the target under the effect of gravity. Their speed is very fast while moving towards the target. They can achieve a speed of Mach 5 or five times the speed of sound (6174 km/h). Ballistic missiles can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. India's Agni-V, Russia's SS-26 Iskander and America's Minuteman III are some of the most powerful and dangerous ballistic missiles in the world. Hypersonic Missile Hypersonic missiles are those that attack at a speed 5 times faster than the speed of sound or Mach 5. It is very difficult to intercept them. The range of hypersonic missiles can be up to 5000 kilometers. These missiles fly low and attack so fast that the enemy does not get a chance to detect and destroy it. Hypersonic missiles can carry both conventional or nuclear warheads. Due to their speed, they dodge defense systems. Hypersonic missiles can also be fired from fighter aircraft. However, hypersonic technology is very complex, so only selected countries of the world have these missiles. India is also developing its indigenous hypersonic missiles. Cruise Missile These missiles are powered by jet engines. They fly at very low altitudes. Cruise missiles are the most dangerous weapons to destroy short-range targets. They can strike from 200 to 1000 kilometers. Cruise missiles are also used to destroy enemy warships in the sea. Cruise missiles can also fire both conventional and nuclear weapons. They are equipped with navigation systems, so their attack is the most accurate. India's Brahmos, America's Tomahawk and Russia's Kalibr are the most dangerous cruise missiles in the world. Used for different purposes Ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles are used for different purposes. Ballistic missiles can hit targets at very long distances. Hypersonic missiles are very fast and it is almost impossible to stop them. Cruise missiles are known for their accuracy.
News18
16-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
India Holds Nuclear Edge Over Pakistan, Leaps Ahead In Missile Tech: Global Arms Report
Last Updated: SIPRI's latest report shows India edging out Pakistan in both capability and posture as other nuclear powers race to expand arsenals amid rising global tensions As the Israel–Iran war escalates and global security tensions mount, the spectre of nuclear conflict has once again moved to the forefront. But beyond the world's largest stockpiles, it is regional rivalries that are drawing renewed scrutiny. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's (SIPRI) Yearbook 2025, India has not only widened its nuclear lead over Pakistan in terms of warhead numbers, but is also making significant technological advances in missile systems and delivery capability. SIPRI, an independent institute based in Sweden, has tracked global armaments, disarmament, and international security trends since 1966. Its annual yearbook is widely regarded as one of the most credible assessments of the world's nuclear balance. So, who's leading the nuclear race in 2025 and who's catching up fast? SIPRI's new data shows how each country is rearming in a more dangerous world. Russia Russia remains the world's leading nuclear power in terms of total warheads. SIPRI estimates it holds roughly 5,880 nuclear weapons, with many deployed on missiles and submarines, and around 2,100 kept on high operational alert, ready to launch at short notice. Despite these staggering numbers, Russia continues to modernise its nuclear arsenal, aiming to upgrade ageing systems and expand its strike capability. But 2024 saw setbacks, including delays in the Sarmat ICBM, a key next-generation missile, and slower progress across other platforms. With the New START treaty—the last remaining US–Russia arms control agreement—set to expire in 2026, and no new deal in sight, Russia is widely expected to rearm empty silos and increase its deployed warheads, especially as tensions with the West remain high. SIPRI suggests this could mark the start of a more unpredictable and unrestrained nuclear posture. United States Closely behind, the United States possesses an estimated 5,244 nuclear warheads, according to SIPRI, many of which are deployed on submarines, strategic bombers, and land-based missiles. Like Russia, a significant number of these are maintained on high operational alert, capable of being launched within minutes. SIPRI notes that the US is in the midst of a comprehensive modernisation programme, involving the replacement of ageing Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the construction of new ballistic missile submarines, and the development of next-generation air-launched cruise missiles. However, the report points out that funding and planning issues in 2024 led to delays and increased costs, raising questions about the programme's long-term timeline. At the same time, the US is adding new non-strategic (tactical) nuclear weapons to its arsenal—a move SIPRI highlights as potentially destabilising, as such weapons are seen as more likely to be used in a limited conflict. With China's nuclear arsenal expanding rapidly, SIPRI warns that internal pressure is building within US defence circles to rearm deactivated launchers and broaden deterrence options—a trend that could accelerate the global arms race. China China is the most dynamic player in the current arms race. SIPRI estimates its arsenal at over 600 nuclear warheads as of early 2025, up from roughly 500 the year before. This makes it the fastest-growing nuclear power in the world. Beijing has built over 350 new ICBM silos in three major desert regions and mountainous areas — indicating an intent to drastically increase its second-strike capabilities. SIPRI also notes that China may now be keeping some warheads mounted on missiles during peacetime, a departure from its earlier policy. At its current pace, China could possess 1,500 warheads by 2035, rivalling the US and Russia in strategic reach, a shift that could fundamentally redraw nuclear deterrence norms. France France holds around 290 nuclear warheads, a number that has remained relatively stable. But behind the scenes, it is actively investing in next-generation systems. In 2024, France continued work on a third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) and a new air-launched cruise missile, while upgrading its current ballistic missile with a new warhead modification. President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly suggested that France's nuclear weapons could play a broader role in defending Europe, not just France. This idea of giving the French nuclear deterrent a 'European dimension" implies that, in a crisis, France might extend its nuclear protection to other European Union countries. If taken seriously, such a shift could reshape NATO's internal dynamics, especially at a time when the US commitment to European security is under question, and some European states are reconsidering their reliance on the American nuclear umbrella. United Kingdom The United Kingdom has an estimated 225 nuclear warheads, and according to SIPRI, this number is expected to increase in the coming years. In 2024, the newly elected Labour government reaffirmed its commitment to building four new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) as part of maintaining the UK's continuous at-sea deterrence—a policy under which at least one submarine armed with nuclear weapons is always on patrol. However, SIPRI points out that operational and financial constraints continue to affect the programme's progress, raising doubts about whether construction and deployment will stay on schedule. The 2023 Integrated Review Refresh — the UK's formal defence policy update — had already approved raising the cap on the total number of warheads, reversing earlier disarmament trends. This signals a shift in the UK's strategic posture, moving it further away from its long-standing policy of gradual nuclear reduction. India India now holds an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, according to SIPRI, a modest increase from previous years. However, the more significant development lies not in the number of warheads, but in technological advancements and evolving military posture. India is working on canisterised missile systems, which allow nuclear warheads to be stored and transported pre-mounted onto missiles in sealed containers. If these systems are deployed with warheads already 'mated," it would mark a major doctrinal shift, enabling faster launch readiness and possibly indicating a move toward a more flexible deterrence strategy. There is also speculation, highlighted in SIPRI's assessment, that India's future missiles may be equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), which would allow a single missile to carry and deliver several nuclear warheads to different targets. This would significantly increase strike capability and survivability, particularly in a first-strike or counterforce scenario. Pakistan Pakistan is estimated to possess around 170 nuclear warheads, and SIPRI notes that it continues to develop new missile delivery systems and produce fissile material at a steady pace—signs of a country actively expanding its arsenal despite lacking transparency or robust oversight mechanisms. Unlike India, which maintains a declared No First Use policy, Pakistan's nuclear doctrine remains deliberately ambiguous and heavily focused on short-range tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use. This approach, often framed as a deterrent against conventional Indian military superiority, is viewed by many analysts as highly destabilising, since it lowers the threshold for nuclear use in a crisis and increases the risk of early escalation. SIPRI suggests that Pakistan's arsenal could grow further over the next decade, especially as it tries to match India's advancing delivery systems and strategic capabilities. However, Pakistan's continued reliance on opaque doctrine, coupled with its history of nuclear proliferation links and political instability, makes its expanding arsenal a significant source of regional and global concern. Israel Israel's nuclear arsenal is estimated at 80 to 90 warheads, though the country continues to maintain its long-standing policy of nuclear opacity—neither confirming nor denying that it possesses nuclear weapons. This ambiguity is strategic, allowing Israel to project deterrence without inviting direct international scrutiny or arms control obligations. What is evident, however, is that Israel is actively modernising its nuclear delivery capabilities. In 2024, the country conducted a missile propulsion test, which SIPRI assesses is likely related to the Jericho ballistic missile programme—a suspected key component of its nuclear force. Additionally, upgrades have been observed at the Dimona reactor, the core facility believed to support Israel's weapons programme through plutonium production. In the context of the ongoing Israel–Iran war, these developments take on heightened significance. While Iran is not believed to possess nuclear weapons, SIPRI and other expert assessments confirm that it has made substantial progress in uranium enrichment and advanced centrifuge development. This gives Iran the technical capacity to produce a weapon, even if it has not yet done so. The combination of Iran's nuclear latency, regional hostility, and Israel's undeclared but advanced arsenal keeps the strategic balance on a knife's edge. These dynamics are made even more volatile by the absence of any regional arms control framework, the collapse of the JCPOA nuclear deal, and the potential for miscalculation amid open conflict. SIPRI's findings underscore that nuclear ambiguity in an active war zone can be just as destabilising as overt nuclear threats. North Korea SIPRI estimates that North Korea assembled around 50 nuclear warheads as of early 2025 and has produced enough fissile material, primarily enriched uranium and plutonium, to build up to 40 more. This makes North Korea a small but rapidly advancing nuclear power, especially considering its isolated status and limited international oversight. In 2024, South Korean officials warned that North Korea was in the final stages of developing a tactical nuclear weapon—a smaller, shorter-range bomb intended for battlefield use rather than large-scale destruction. If deployed, such weapons would lower the threshold for nuclear use, making them potentially more likely to be used in a regional skirmish or limited conflict. Adding to the concern, Kim Jong Un issued a directive in November 2024 calling for a 'limitless" expansion of the country's nuclear programme, signalling that Pyongyang has no intention of slowing down or re-entering negotiations anytime soon. With diplomatic engagement stalled and military tensions continuing on the Korean peninsula, the risk of miscalculation, misinterpretation, or accidental escalation remains dangerously high, especially given the absence of crisis communication mechanisms between North Korea and its neighbours. SIPRI flagged these developments as part of a broader trend of increasing nuclear risk in unstable regions. Why These Numbers Matter In 2025 What makes SIPRI's findings urgent is not just who holds the most weapons, but how global norms are eroding. The New START treaty between the US and Russia is nearing expiration, with no replacement in sight. China is rising, but unwilling to enter arms control negotiations. And advanced technologies, from AI to missile defence, are destabilising assumptions about deterrence. top videos View all Meanwhile, as the Israel-Iran war rages, one side is confirmed to be nuclear-armed and the other is feared to be nuclear-capable. With no regional arms control, no dialogue mechanisms, and rising disinformation, the threshold for escalation is lower than ever. As SIPRI researcher Matt Korda bluntly warns: 'Nuclear weapons do not guarantee security. They come with immense risks of escalation and catastrophic miscalculation, particularly when disinformation is rife, and may end up making a country's population less safe, not more." About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Israel-Iran tensions nuclear warheads Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 16, 2025, 13:19 IST News india India Holds Nuclear Edge Over Pakistan, Leaps Ahead In Missile Tech: Global Arms Report
