Sentry Contributor
The United States Department of Defense (DOD) announced adjustments to its nuclear deterrence strategy in response to escalating threats from near-peer nuclear competitors. This move comes as the U.S. and its Allies and Partners face growing challenges from the Chinese Communist Party, North Korea and Russia, which are rapidly modernizing and expanding their nuclear arsenals.
“We are now in a world where we’re facing multiple nuclear competitors, multiple states that are growing, diversifying, and modernizing their nuclear arsenals,” Richard C. Johnson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for nuclear and countering weapons of mass destruction policy, said during a recent panel at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., where he emphasized the evolving security environment.
The adjustments to the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review aim to increase sustainability of the U.S.’ strategic nuclear deterrent. The review highlights the need for a safe, secure and reliable nuclear deterrent, while acknowledging that the current modernization program may be insufficient. The Nuclear Posture Review identified modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal as a top priority. This effort, which will be carried out during the next two decades, includes initiatives to modernize all three legs of the nuclear triad.
The DOD, in collaboration with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), has taken steps to enhance nuclear deterrence capabilities. These include the development of the B61-13 gravity bomb and the enhanced readiness of Ohio-class submarines. The NNSA produces the B61-13, a modern variant of the B61.
The DOD in November 2024 submitted the 491 Report to Congress, an unclassified briefing on the U.S. nuclear employment strategy. The report outlines changes from previous guidance and addresses new deterrence challenges posed by the growth and modernization of competitors’ nuclear arsenals.
The report recommends the U.S. plan for deterring multiple nuclear-armed competitors simultaneously and to integrate non-strategic capabilities where feasible to support the nuclear deterrence mission. It also stresses the importance of escalation management in responding to limited nuclear attacks or high consequence nonnuclear strategic attacks.
Of top priority is modernization of the U.S. nuclear triad. The triad, consisting of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), air-based bombers and sea-based submarines, is crucial for maintaining a credible deterrent against current and emerging threats.
The U.S. strategic nuclear triad remains capable, flexible, resilient and ready, and U.S. military officials are keen to increase its robustness through modernization. These efforts include developing options to counter competitors’ coercive strategies, which are often predicated on the threatened use of nuclear or strategic non-nuclear attacks.
Adjustments to the nuclear posture and the ongoing modernization efforts are critical to national security and deterring near-peer competitors and reflect the changing dynamics of global security. By enhancing its nuclear capabilities and adapting its strategies, the U.S. aims to maintain a credible deterrent and ensure the safety and security of the nation and its Allies and Partners.