GROUND-BASED QUESTION MARK

摘要

America's nuclear deterrent is considered foundational to the nation's defense, and the 1970's-vintage Minuteman Ⅲ fleet of 450 missiles, spread across silos in five states and three sprawling bases, is its cornerstone. That foundation, however, is crumbling. Defense officials warn that the Minuteman is long overdue for replacement, especially since Russia-even as its conventional forces saw ups and down over the last 25 years-has never stopped modernizing its strategic forces. China's strategic forces have advanced tremendously in just the last decade. North Korea's missiles may soon be a credible threat.