Why We Still Need Those Nuclear Missile Silos (From Breaking Defense)

Some anti-nuclear groups suggest eliminating intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in part to save money on upcoming nuclear modernization, but getting rid of ICBMs would be a serious mistake. Of the three components of the triad, the ICBM force is the least expensive and protects against technological problems that may emerge in the other legs of the triad. If ICBMs were nonexistent, the number of targets an adversary would aim to demolish on American soil would dwindle from hundreds to a handful, increasing the likelihood of conflict. Eliminating Minuteman missiles from the strategic arsenal would be a mistake that would put America and allies in danger. Peter Huessy, president of GeoStrategic Analysis, and I have written a commentary for Breaking Defense here.