General Bussiere identified sustaining and modernising legacy systems as the top challenge, alongside caring for the airmen and their families. He outlined key efforts including updates to intercontinental ballistic missiles, the B-21 Raider, the B-52J Stratofortress bombers, and the nuclear command, control and communications infrastructure.
Additional upgrades involve the MH-139 Gray Wolf helicopter, survival airborne operations centre, weapons generation facility improvements, and long-range standoff weapons. These efforts are aimed at countering serious nuclear threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and potentially Iran.
“This underscores the importance of fielding a flexible and modern nuclear force to effectively deter them,” said Bussiere, warning of increasing coordination among U.S. adversaries. He described the current global security landscape as dangerous and unprecedented.
Bussiere stressed the urgency of continued support, stating, “The Air Force nuclear enterprise is in a critical phase of transition. There is no operational margin remaining, and our resources continue to be stretched, impacting the readiness and well-being of our dedicated airmen.”
Navy Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of the Navy Strategic Systems Programs, also addressed the committee, asserting, “The Navy’s nuclear forces — the bedrock of our national security — are safe, secure, effective and credible.” He described them as the most survivable leg of the triad.
Wolfe referred to the Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missiles and sea-launched cruise missiles as central components, along with the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic programme. He emphasised the need for continued modernisation and sustainment, which depend heavily on a limited pool of expert personnel.
“It is critical that my command is able to appropriately staff its workforce with these highly specialized technical experts,” Wolfe said. “People are as foundational to our nuclear deterrent as the strategic weapons themselves.”
Source: U.S. Department of Defense.
