Sputnik News – 2016-10-08 19:28:08
https://sputniknews.com/military/20161008/1046124210/pentagon-nevada-nukes.html
WW3: Russia Will Take Down Any American
Airplane or Missile Targeting Syrian Army
Russia Insider
(Oct 6, 2016) — Russia’s Defense Ministry has cautioned the US-led coalition of carrying out airstrikes on Syrian army positions, noting that any airstrike or missile hitting targets in territory controlled by the Syrian government would put Russian personnel in danger. A spokesperson added that Russia now has numerous S-300 and S-400 air defense systems up and running.
Pentagon Hyping Test of Two Fake Nuke Bombs in Nevada Desert
Sputnik News
(October 8, 2016) — Amid efforts to modernize its nuclear stockpile, the US test-dropped two dummy nukes in the Nevada desert earlier this month.
To that end, the Air Force conducted successful tests with two B61 nuclear bombs. Neither carried a live warhead. “The primary objective of flight testing is to obtain reliability, accuracy, and performance data under operational representative conditions,” reads a statement released by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
“Such testing is part of the qualification process of current altercations and life extension programs for weapon systems.” The 700-pound bombs were dropped by B-2 bombers over a test range in Nevada. “The B61 is a critical element of the US nuclear triad and the extended deterrent,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Lutton of the NNSA, according to the statement.
“The recent surveillance flight tests demonstrate NNSA’s commitment to ensure all weapon systems are safe, secure, and effective.”
In addition to building 400 new missiles to replace the aging Minuteman ICBMs, the Air Force is also in pursuit of a new nuclear cruise missile known as the Long Range Standoff (LRSO). The former program is estimated to cost roughly $85 billion. The LRSO development is expected to cost at least $20 billion.
In addition to cost concerns, a number of Congressional lawmakers have fought to abandon the LRSO program on humanitarian grounds, arguing that a new nuclear weapon puts world peace at risk. “Nuclear war poses the gravest risk to American national security,” ten Democratic Senators wrote in a letter. US officials seem unlikely to bow to these concerns, as this month’s tests demonstrate.
US, Russia, Syria, and WWIII
‘American Stupidity Is Worse than Terrorism’ – Russia Official
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(October 7, 2016) — Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson, lets loose on a Western journalist after she is asked “Why is Russia supporting Assad, who is killing civilians?”
Despite Budget Woes, US Air Force
Pushing for Nuclear Missile Modernization
Sputnik News
(September 22, 2016) — Faced with an aging nuclear arsenal, the US Air Force (USAF) is seeking funds to modernize its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) stockpile and develop a new nuclear cruise missile known as the Long Range Standoff (LRSO).
The US government has known for years that it’s Minuteman III ICBM arsenal is in danger of falling behind. While the Air Force was granted approval to develop up to 400 new missiles, that effort stalled last month in response to budget concerns.
Air Force officials continue to push for Minuteman replacements. Speaking during the Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2016 on Monday, Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein argued that updating the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent is critical.
He also discussed the need to replace the Air Launched Cruise Missile to be replaced with the nuclear LRSO. “I think the LRSO is the most critical piece of the modernization effort,” he said, according to Defense Tech. The cruise missile could, in theory, be launched from any American bomber.
Weinstein added that he preferred to discuss the cost of the two programs on another day, which is odd given the budgetary problems that have plagued the Air Force’s missile proposals in the past.
The USAF originally estimated that replacing the Minuteman IIIs would cost $62.3 billion. Last month, a the Pentagon was forced to delay the program after a cost assessment report from its Defense Acquisition Board found that figure to be a severe underestimate.
The program is now expected to cost roughly $85 billion, a 36% increase. Additionally, development of the LRSO is expected to cost at least $20 billion. The USAF has already released a statement calling on defense contracting firms to submit bids.
“The LRSO weapon system will be a cost-effective force multiplier for B-52, B-2, and B-21 aircraft to credibly deter adversaries and assures US allies of our deterrent capabilities,” the statement said.
In addition to costs concerns, a number of Congressional lawmakers have fought to abandon the LRSO program on humanitarian grounds, arguing that a new nuclear weapon puts world peace at risk.
“Nuclear war poses the gravest risk to American national security,” ten Democratic senators wrote. US officials seem unlikely to bow to these concerns, however. “Releasing this solicitation is a critical step toward affordably recapitalizing the aging air leg of the nuclear triad,” Maj. Gen. Scott Jansson told Defense One last month.
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