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Air Force leaders: New helicopter, nuclear modernization programs on track

Modernization efforts are on track for nuclear forces based at Minot Air Force Base, Air Force leaders confirmed to Sen. John Hoeven at a hearing of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee this week.

Hoeven met with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Brown. Secretary Kendall and General Brown confirmed to Hoeven that these efforts are on track, including the procurement of MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters to secure the missile fields and replacement missiles for the B-52 and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Specifically, Hoeven discussed the need to continue advancing including:

-Procurement of MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters to replace the Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey helicopters currently used to secure Minot’s missile silos. The issue of FAA certification for the aircraft has been resolved, allowing procurement of the aircraft to move forward. Minot is currently scheduled to begin receiving the new helicopters in fiscal year 2027.

-Upgrades to the B-52, including the new engine program. The engine is currently in development, with prototyping to begin in fiscal year 2023. The Air Force will begin installing new engines on the B-52s in the fiscal year 2027. The new Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile will replace the Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) carried on the B-52. LRSO will enter into operations, including on the B-52, in approximately FY2029.

– The new Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), also known as Sentinel, will replace the Minuteman III ICBM. Hoeven worked to include language in the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit cuts to the ICBM force. The Air Force will begin fielding the Sentinel in fiscal year 2026.

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