Skip to main content

Strategic Forces: Minuteman Weapon System Status and Current Issues

NSIAD-90-242 Published: Sep 28, 1990. Publicly Released: Oct 29, 1990.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the Air Force's plans to retain the Minuteman II and III missile force through fiscal year (FY) 2008, focusing on: (1) the costs; (2) the impacts of aging; (3) life support extension programs; and (4) the capability of the Air Force to assess and demonstrate the operational condition of the missiles.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense In view of the Department of Defense's (DOD) decision not to correct the deteriorating condition of the missile and the several hundred million dollars in costs to operate and support the system, the Secretary of Defense should direct the retirement of the Minuteman II weapon system at a rate that would retire the system earlier than the projected date of 1998, consistent with any strategic arms reduction talks agreements that are concluded.
Closed – Implemented
By letter dated January 24, 1992, DOD advised that MMII was scheduled for retirement between fiscal years 1992 and 1997 but, consistent with the recommendation, DOD was determining the feasibility of accelerating the missiles' retirement.
Department of Energy The Secretary of Energy, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, should develop a plan to ensure the availability of Minuteman III MK 12A warhead components for flight testing through FY 2008.
Closed – Implemented
By letter dated May 6, 1991, the Department of Energy advised that its plans for warhead development would be contingent upon DOD plans for the MMII. DOD is considering reducing the number of warheads on the MMII from three to one. This action would resolve the potential problem GAO reported, i.e., lack of available warhead components for testing purposes.

Full Report

GAO Contacts

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Weapons systemsAir defense systemsAir Force suppliesDefense budgetsEquipment maintenanceIntercontinental ballistic missilesMissile warheadsTestingMissilesMilitary forces