The US is upgrading its B61 gravity bombs and bolstering the readiness of its nuclear submarines.
The Pentagon reports the US is modifying its nuclear deterrence strategy to counter emerging threats from Russia and China.
The Department of Defense stated on Thursday that multiple nuclear adversaries pose a growing threat to US and allied security, citing the modernization of their nuclear arsenals.
Richard Johnson, deputy assistant secretary of defense, highlighted Russia and China, suggesting the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review may require adjustments to maintain deterrence. He acknowledged that current modernization efforts might be insufficient.
According to Johnson, the Pentagon has already implemented measures to enhance nuclear deterrence. Key actions include developing the B61-13 gravity bomb and increasing the operational readiness of Ohio-class nuclear submarines.
The Pentagon announced the B61-13’s development last October, describing it as a replacement for older models offering enhanced capabilities against fortified and large targets. The Pentagon emphasized that this upgrade is not a response to any specific event and won’t increase the overall nuclear stockpile.
Ohio-class submarines, a cornerstone of the US nuclear triad, are designed for nuclear deterrence and carry Trident missiles with a range exceeding 12,000 km.
Johnson’s comments follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s September revision of Russia’s nuclear doctrine. The amendment states that aggression against Russia or its allies by a non-nuclear state, with nuclear-state support, constitutes a joint attack.
Putin formally approved these changes on November 19, amidst Western support for Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against Russia, despite Moscow’s warnings of escalation and direct NATO involvement.
Earlier this week, Russia used the Oreshnik hypersonic missile to strike Ukraine, citing Ukrainian cross-border attacks utilizing US-made ATACMS and HIMARS systems, and British-made Storm Shadow missiles.