The US adds a general in charge of developing strategic offensive weapons.

A senior US Air Force commander has been nominated to take on a new role overseeing the service's next-generation bomber, fighter, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programs, confirming information first reported by Breaking Defense in August.

Lieutenant General Dale White has been nominated for promotion to full general, to assume the position of Director of Direct Reporting Portfolio Management (DRPM) for key major weapons systems.

Lieutenant General Dale White has been nominated for a four-star promotion to take up the newly created position. Photo: US Air Forces

In the latest announcement of the US Air Force, Lieutenant General White, currently serving as the Air Force's Deputy Chief of Military Acquisition, will oversee the systems of "LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, Minuteman III ICBM system, B-21 Family System, F-47 Family System and VC-25B Presidential Airlift aircraft" - the type of aircraft called Air Force One when the US President is on board.

“DRPM will be supported by a small, highly specialized team based at the Pentagon, while current acquisition personnel will continue to support DRPM's key weapon system programs,” the Air Force said, adding that the new position will be established “in the coming months.”

The appointment to the position will partly depend on the US Senate, if the legislative body approves the Pentagon's proposal.

It is unclear whether the Navy will add a similar DRPM commander. Breaking Defense previously reported that a similar role was being considered to focus on nuclear submarine programs.