WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member, issued the following statement on the Air Force awarding Northrop Grumman a $13.3 billion contract for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program today:
“The importance of modernizing our nuclear deterrence cannot be overstated. The mere existence of these weapons - housed at strategic bases like Minot - makes our nation and the world a safer place, an advantage we cannot afford to lose. I am glad to see the Air Force take this timely action and I look forward to ensuring these funds are used efficiently and effectively.”
The GBSD is the scheduled replacement for the Minutemen III ICBMs, which are housed at bases like Minot Air Force Base. According to the Air Force, the GBSD ICBM will have increased accuracy, enhanced security, and improved reliability to provide the United States with an upgraded and broader array of strategic nuclear options.
Through his seat on SASC, Senator Cramer has been urging the Air Force and high-ranking Defense Department officials like Defense Secretary Esper to award this contract and keep the GBSD timeline on track. Senator Cramer also helped write this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which includes $1.5 billion for the GBSD program and directs the Air Force Secretary to provide a report on the transition.