Inside look at America’s aging ballistic missile arsenal

Located near the Canadian border, the Oscar-6 missile silo appears unremarkable, blending into the landscape. However, beneath its surface lies a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a nuclear warhead that can strike almost anywhere globally.

This site, part of a network of 149 silos across North Dakota, is monitored by small teams of airmen stationed at nearby facilities, prepared for the moment they might receive orders to launch one of the nation’s nuclear weapons, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The United States maintains around 400 Minuteman III missiles distributed among multiple bases, kept at the ready for potential activation. Colonel James Schlabach, commander of the 91st Missile Wing, emphasizes the critical need for preparedness given the immense destructive power these missiles hold.

These ICBMs are one leg of the US nuclear triad, alongside strategic bombers and ballistic missile submarines. Unlike the mobile units of the latter two, the ICBM launch sites are fixed, necessitating constant vigilance from the airmen who oversee them from cramped underground capsules, where they monitor the missiles for any issues.

The young officers responsible for these missiles are often significantly younger than the systems they control, with the Minuteman III being deployed since 1970.

As the Minuteman III ages, plans are in place to replace it with the Sentinel missile, designed to be a cost-effective upgrade to the nuclear arsenal. However, the Sentinel program has already faced criticism for exceeding its budget, with costs now at least $140.9 billion—81 per cent over budget before any missiles have been delivered.

Despite the financial concerns, defense officials acknowledge the importance of modernization in light of evolving global threats. The urgency is underscored by the military advancements of adversaries like Russia and China, both enhancing their nuclear capabilities. Additionally, risks from nations like North Korea and the potential nuclear ambitions of Iran further complicate the security landscape.

Schlabach notes that the current geopolitical environment is more complex than during the Cold War, necessitating updates to the ICBM fleet to address all levels of nuclear threats effectively. He emphasizes that modernization is crucial to maintain stability in the face of both major state actors and smaller nations that may provoke nuclear tensions.