The United States plans to allocate nearly $1 trillion, specifically $946 billion, over the next decade to sustain and modernize its nuclear forces. This is outlined in the latest report by the Congressional Budget Office titled Projected Costs of U.S. Nuclear Forces, 2025 to 2034.
This means the U.S. government will spend, on average, $95 billion per year. Compared to the previous projection for the 2023–2031 period, the current estimate has increased by $190 billion. The peak of expenditures is expected in the 2030s, driven largely by the development and deployment of the new LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which will replace the Minuteman III.
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The report provides a detailed breakdown of the projected spending. Out of the total $946 billion, $454 billion is earmarked for strategic nuclear weapons. This includes:
- $228 billion for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs)
- $140 billion for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)
- $65 billion for strategic bombers
- $21 billion for other systems and activities
Tactical nuclear weapons account for a much smaller portion, just $15 billion. These funds will support gravity bombs for the F-35 and development of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N).
An additional $154 billion is designated for command, control, communications, and early warning systems (NC3). Nuclear laboratories and their associated functions, including warhead support, are expected to receive $193 billion. A further $129 billion is reserved to cover potential cost overruns and unplanned expenses.
The report also outlines spending by function. Of the $946 billion:
- $357 billion (44%) will go toward operating and sustaining existing and future nuclear forces and supporting infrastructure — the largest expenditure category.
- $309 billion (38%) will be spent on modernizing warheads and delivery systems.
- $79 billion (10%) is allocated to upgrading NC3 and early warning systems.
- $72 billion (9%) will be used to modernize the nuclear weapons complex and laboratory infrastructure.
As of 2024, the United States is estimated to have around 3,700 nuclear warheads, with approximately 1,770 deployed strategic warheads. These are distributed across 400 silo-based Minuteman III ICBMs, 294 Trident II SLBMs on submarines, and air-delivered cruise missiles and gravity bombs.
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