Eurasia Press & News
The Department of the Air Force announces the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Test Program and the program’s Finding of No Significant Impact. The analysis can be found at gbsdtesteaoea.govsupport.us.
The GBSD program would modernize the aging U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III system.
The Air Force plans to modernize the land-based leg of the nuclear triad, recapitalizing its ICBM fleet while upgrading the weapon system technology, supporting infrastructure, and command and control functions. Test program-related actions would occur primarily at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Such tests would include conducting missile launches from Vandenberg SFB with flights over the Pacific Ocean in the Western Test Range. Additional test support activities would occur at U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
The environmental assessment also includes analysis of the proposed GBSD Formal Training Unit/Schoolhouse at Vandenberg SFB. The GBSD and Minuteman III test demonstrations are proposed to occur at U.S. Army Garrison–Kwajalein Atoll and within the Republic of the Marshall Islands territorial waters. The analysis of overseas environmental impacts is also included in the assessment. Test activities would comply with the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll environmental standards.
