Study: Attack on U.S. Missile Silos Could Result in Millions of Deaths

Research highlights potential catastrophic consequences of an attack on America's 450 missile silos, with death toll estimates ranging from 340,000 to 4.6 million in the first four days.

• New research suggests that an attack on America's missile silos could result in millions of deaths from acute radiation poisoning in less than a week.
• The study focuses on the 450 missile silos located in five U.S. states—North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Out of these locations, 400 silos house nuclear-armed intercontinental missiles.
• Researchers estimate that, in the first four days after an attack on the silos, between 340,000 and 4.6 million people could die, with an average death toll of 1.4 million.
• The U.S. Air Force's decision to replace its aging Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with the modern Sentinel missile in 2029 has raised concerns about the potential consequences.
• The Department of Defense stressed the importance of a 'safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent,' stating that the Sentinel system does not increase the risk to the U.S. and that a nuclear war cannot be won.

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