
When the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) arrives to replace the Minuteman III silo-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Minuteman III’s old nuclear warheads might go right back into the ground on the new missiles, a senior National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) official said Wednesday. The next-gen missiles will use about a 50-50 mix of old W87-0 warheads, those on Minuteman III today, and planned W87-1 warheads, which will be based on the W87-0 design, but use brand new plutonium pits.…