Pentagon insider hints at gaps in US nuclear defense against major rivals
Top defense official points out weak spots in US nuclear strategy facing Russia and China. Recent global shifts push Pentagon to re-think its approach to nuclear deterrence and modernization
In a thought-provoking discussion Richard Johnson‚ the Pentagons nuclear policy chief points out that US nuclear strategy might need a boost to counter Russia and China. Speaking at a think-tank meet‚ he stressed how multiple nations are building-up their nuclear power: some states grow arsenals while others make them more diverse
The White House stays firm on its nuclear stance even after Russia changed its strike rules. This shift came when Vladimir Putin reacted to US letting Ukraine use Atacms missiles on Russian ground. The US keeps working on its deterrent system which includes plans to put nuclear weapons at a UK air-base
The US has stepped-up its readiness with more nuclear gravity bombs and sub-marines on standby (part of the changes from 2022 nuclear review). Grant Schneider‚ vice deputy director for strategic stability says: “We must update our nuclear forces and control systems to face 2030s challenges; this means being ready for new threats or delays in our progress“
NATO also looks at its nuclear plans since Russia went into Ukraine bout 3 years ago. The group now includes non-nuclear countries like Netherlands which lets its F-35 jets support NATOs nuclear system. Alliance members often meet to check if their deterrent can handle threats from places like Russia and China
