Colonel Charles Clegg, the official in charge of the development of the upcoming” Sentinel” intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ), has been fired by the US Air Force. The aging Minuteman III, a vital part of the United States ‘ nuclear trio, was intended to be replaced by this weapon, which was first launched in the 1970s.
The termination of Colonel Clegg comes amid growing concerns about the rising costs relating to the Sentinel system. After its budget increased by at least 37 %, Congress launched a review of the project earlier this year, which resulted in an estimated$ 131 billion. The House Appropriations Committee, in its fiscal 2025 funds ask statement, said it was” stunned to learn” of the major price increase.
Despite the cost overruns, lawmakers have approved$ 3.4 billion for the Sentinel program for the coming year, which is$ 340 million less than requested. After the program’s expenses oversaw more than a third of the funds over the previous two years, a 1982 law mandated the review.
Colonel Clegg was fired on Monday, according to a declaration from the US Air Force, “because he did not adhere to corporate techniques.” A representative for the Air Force cited a “loss of trust” in Clegg, but added that it was not “directly related” to the legislative assessment.
The Pentagon and the Joint Chiefs of Staff are then required to provide compelling arguments to politicians and explain the value inefficiencies. The bulk of the funds are apparently needed for major upgrades to existing build sites and contact lines, a sophisticated effort involving real estate purchases, construction, deconstruction, removal and installation of equipment, and atomic certification. This procedure is anticipated to last for almost ten times.
Pranay Vaddi, a senior producer for arms control, peace, and disarmament at the National Security Council and special assistant to the president, recently reported that President Joe Biden had issued updated guidance for nuclear weapons work. This updated guidance takes into account the changing nuclear surroundings, highlighting the need to take into account China’s growing and varied nuclear stockpiles, as well as Russia’s and North Korea’s.
” It emphasizes the need to account for the growth and diversity of]China’s ] nuclear arsenal – and the need to deter Russia ,]China], and North Korea simultaneously”, Vaddi said.
