Can the Pentagon counter China and Russia’s weapons of mass destruction?
Soldiers during a training exercise at Fort Irwin's National Training Center. (Photo: US Army)
The recent advances in military programmes in China, Iran, North Korea and Russia has put US capacity to counter nuclear and biological threats in check.
The global power competition and the improvements in the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) domain have been a growing concern for the Pentagon. Recent advances in military nuclear and biological programmes in China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, as well as the access of non-state actors to new production capabilities, has put in check US capacity to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Speaking during a webinar conducted by the US-based thinktank the Brookings Institution, John Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy at the US Department of Defense (DoD) claimed that the country’s opponents have ‘learned from and continued to adapt to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems]()
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
