Conventional Conflict's Impact On The Air Leg Of The Triad

Published Aug. 29, 2021
By AF/A10C
AF/A10C

TOPIC SPONSOR: AF/A10C

What are the effects of prolonged conventional conflict on the nuclear air leg capabilities? How credible will that deterrent be after engaging in a prolonged conventional conflict? Is it possible to bring mass fire effects without committing the entire strength of our bomber force, thus subjecting them to attrition? Will the U.S. still have a credible air leg after tanker losses through attrition and maintenance backlogs? How will current recapitalization programs (medium bomber and fewer nuclear-certified tankers) affect the future air leg's capabilities and contribution to deterrence?

Zito, Major Joseph, "The Trillion-Dollar Triad: Yes, We Can (and Must) Afford It," Air Force Fellows paper, 2022, 2 pgs.