Air Force nuclear costs $30 billion over next four years, report estimates

The Air Force will likely spend more than $30 billion to overhaul its nuclear arsenal over the next four years, according to a report from Congress’ top watchdog that quoted Defense Department estimates.

Between this year and 2019, the service expects to spend $16.7 billion on operations, maintenance and personnel costs; $15.5 billion on research and development; and $2.5 billion on procurement and construction costs, according to a report released by the Government Accountability Office.

But that budget estimate is likely to increase throughout the 2020s, as the Air Force begins purchasing and operating its next-generation Long Range Strategic Bomber to join and eventually replace the B-52 and B-2.

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