Prototype components of the Air Forces’ new, high-tech, under development next generation ICBM already exist as the service prepares to “fire off” its first test launch of the new Ground Based Strategic Deterrent in 2023.
“We are well into building our first components of the actual ICBM,” Greg Manuel, Sector Vice President and General manager, Northrop Grumman, told The National Interest in an interview.
Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD)
Low Rate Initial production is slated to start by 2026, and the weapon is reportedly on track to deliver by the end of the decade. Couldn’t come soon enough, according to senior Air Force leadership now concerned about a potential “missile” between the arrival of the new GBSD and the obsolescence and retirement of the decades old Minuteman III ICBM.
Given its success so far, will the Air Force further accelerate GBSD to the extent possible? This could be realistic given the impact thus far of a Digital Engineering approach which enables the service to assess and fast-track components of the weapon by replicating and testing them in a digital environment prior to construction. Will the Air Force further accelerate GBSD? Maybe.
Rapid and Successful Progress
While clear to emphasize that any programmatic or timing decisions related to GBSD are to be made by the Air Force, Northrop developers did say progress with the new weapon has been rapid and successful due to what they describe as a collaborative relationship with the service. Northrop Grumman developers also say that, should the Air Force request further accelerations, they would be able to respond effectively.
