The Air Force calculates that modernizing the silo-based missile portion of the nuclear triad will yield as much as $20 billion in cost avoidance over five decades compared with extending the life of the current fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to a senior service official. Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, Air Force Global Strike Command chief, said the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) acquisition plan -- which the service will present to the Defense Acquisition Board for approval...
