US Military Ends Long-Running Program to Detect Nuclear Missile Launches
The U.S. military has concluded a decades-long program designed to detect nuclear missile launches. The initiative utilized top-secret satellites for early warning capabilities.
The U.S. military has officially ended a long-running program dedicated to identifying nuclear missile launches. The initiative was established to provide early detection of potential hostile missile deployments.
The program relied on a constellation of classified satellites capable of detecting the heat and infrared signatures associated with missile liftoffs. These satellites were originally launched over several decades, with some dating back to the 1970s.
With advancements in technology and the deployment of newer surveillance systems, the older satellites have been phased out of service. The final operational units have now been retired, marking the conclusion of the program.
Details regarding the replacement surveillance systems have not been fully disclosed, but the program's cessation reflects evolving U.S. defense and intelligence capabilities.