About GBSD
About GBSD
Northrop Grumman Awarded Contract to Replace the Aging ICBM System
About GBSD
The U.S. Air Force’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) is the weapon system replacement for the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM). GBSD represents the modernization of the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad.
The Minuteman III first became operational in the early 1970s. While certain components and subsystems have been upgraded, most of the fundamental infrastructure in use today is the original equipment supporting more than 50 years of continuous operation.
On Sept. 08, 2020, a Northrop Grumman-led team was awarded the GBSD prime contract for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase. The Air Force is focused on developing and delivering an integrated weapon system that will meet the combatant commander’s current requirements, while having the adaptability to affordably address changing technology and emerging threats through 2075.
GBSD Contracting Activity: Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center
GBSD Prime Contractor: Northrop Grumman
Why modernize?
The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) Analysis of Alternatives provided decisive analysis that continued life extension of the Minuteman III (MM III) would be more costly than a replacement system and would not address future challenges and threats to our current ICBM force. GBSD is the lowest risk, highest value decision to meet current and future military requirements.” USSTRATCOM’s Statement to Congress, Feb 2020; pg. 9.
GBSD Teammates
Learn more about the Northrop Grumman-led Nationwide Team here.
Timeline
2010 – Nuclear Posture Review
2012 – Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) begins
2015 – Milestone A/AOA approved
2016 – TMRR begins
2017 – TMRR award
2018 – Nuclear Posture Review
2019 – July – RFP released
2020 – September EMD Award
2029 – GBSD program will deliver a fully integrated weapon system beginning in FY2029
2036 – Full Operational Capability
2075 – Program remains in service