Especially in light of the New START arms reduction treaty, the Air Force—with stewardship of both ICBMs and nuclear bombers—must continually underscore the need to sustain the nuclear Triad. “As we implement New START and reduce the number of deployed warheads the importance of the triad increases,” said Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, Air Force Global Strike command boss. “Technical problems or operational vulnerabilities may place an unsustainable burden on the remaining force … when that element makes up half or more of our deterrent,” highlighted Kowalski, emphasizing the importance of nuclear diversification. “Our Triad is not redundant, it is complementary and provides options and flexibility against an uncertain future,” he said addressing AFA’s Air & Space Conference, Tuesday afternoon. While ICBMs are responsive and “vulnerable only to direct nuclear attack,” bombers are flexible, providing an escalating range of “options to demonstrate resolve and reassure allies,” he added.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.