Latest Episode1/15/2021
Why America Needs the Long Range Standoff Weapon
America has embarked on a long-overdue effort to modernize its nuclear deterrent, most of which is decades oldandbecoming obsolete.Acritical partofthis effort is theAir Force’sdevelopmentoftheLong Range Standoff weapon (LRSO), anew generation ofthe current nuclear-armed air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), which isquickly aging out.As argued in anewly-released Heritage Foundation report, the LRSO will be critical tomaintainingthe air leg of the nuclear triad, enablingbombers tohold at riskwell-defended targets for decades to come. Yet as with any major nuclear acquisition program, the LRSO facesroadblocks, including decreasingdefense budgets, acquisition challenges, and strident anti-nuclear opposition.Tomake LRSO a reality, we shouldbe prepared toanswer tough questions. Dobombersreally needcruisemissiles?Whatcapabilitieswill LRSO provide? How willthis weaponimpact strategic stability?Join us as ourexpertpanel takes onthese questionsand more.