The Department of Defense (DOD) is making critical updates to its nuclear deterrence strategy, preparing for the possibility of a limited nuclear attack. This shift in focus, reported in November 2024, reflects a growing concern over the expansion and modernization of nuclear arsenals by nations like China and Russia.
For years, the U.S. relied on the threat of total retaliation to deter nuclear attacks. But the landscape has changed. Countries like China and Russia are not only increasing the size of their nuclear stockpiles but also diversifying and modernizing their weapons. In response, the DOD has updated its strategy, now factoring in the threat of limited nuclear strikes, a scenario once deemed improbable.
The new strategy incorporates non-nuclear capabilities alongside traditional nuclear forces. This includes enhanced cyber capabilities and precision strike options, providing a broader range of responses to any nuclear threat. The goal is to ensure that the U.S. can respond effectively to any situation, whether it’s a minor provocation or a full-scale nuclear attack.
Central to the new approach is the heightened readiness of U.S. nuclear forces, particularly the Ohio-class submarines, which carry nuclear missiles and are considered one of the most survivable and secure elements of the U.S. nuclear triad. The DOD is focusing on ensuring these forces are always prepared to respond to a limited nuclear attack, which may require a more flexible response than in the past.
A key part of the updated strategy is the B61-13, a modernized version of the B61 gravity bomb. This weapon offers more precision, enabling the U.S. to respond with targeted and proportionate force in the event of a limited nuclear strike. The development of the B61-13 underscores the DOD’s commitment to adapting its nuclear arsenal to meet evolving threats.
The DOD’s strategy update also emphasizes escalation management. The new approach seeks to prevent a limited nuclear attack from escalating into a broader nuclear conflict. This is part of the 491 Report to Congress, which outlines how the U.S. will manage these sensitive situations, balancing a firm response with the need to avoid further escalation.
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