A Modern Nuclear Arsenal is Crucial for a Stable Nuclear Deterrence
Although the arms control community is focused on the opportunity to cut the nuclear deterrent, the President has a responsibility to listen, as well, to the expert advice of his uniformed military advisors who must plan for, operate, and deploy nuclear and conventional forces.
President-elect Joe Biden recently indicated that he would review the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy and weapons modernization program, focusing on reducing their role in national strategy. The review will also look to reduce funding for nuclear modernization. Depending on the administration s actions, there is a real risk of compromising the credibility of American deterrence when both China and Russia see the United States as a weakened great power.
STRATCOM: US nuclear strategy endangered if Left cuts modernization funding Print this article
The commander overseeing the nation’s nuclear arsenal said Tuesday that any cuts to modernization efforts would force a reconsideration of America’s nuclear strategy just as adversaries China and Russia are advancing differing nuclear threats to America.
“Let me be very clear: You cannot life-extend Minuteman III,” said Adm. Charles Richard, the head of U.S. Strategic Command, describing the 50-year-old intercontinental ballistic missiles that form the land-based leg of America’s nuclear triad.
In recent months, progressive Democrats have questioned the need for expensive upgrades and the land-based component altogether, but Richard said such a delay would jeopardize America’s nuclear deterrent.
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The admiral in charge of the U.S. nuclear arsenal said Tuesday he would "welcome" a review by the incoming Biden administration of the country's nuclear weapons strategy, but lashed out at critics of the military's plans for new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)."I welcome an examination of the nation's strategy here," U.S. Strategic Command chief Adm. Charles Richard told reporters. "I recommend that based on the threat. The threat.