US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy warns of peer nuclear adversary risk
The US DoD allocated $34 billion in FY 2023 to modernise its nuclear triad. (Photo: USAF)
Although the US has been massively investing in defence capabilities in recent decades, China and Russia remain a headache for the DoD. The ambitions of these two countries and their nuclear capacities still pose risks to American interests worldwide.
Released on 27 October, the unclassified part of the US National Defense Strategy (NDS) 2022 considered China the ‘most comprehensive and serious challenge’ and Russia a ‘serious, continuing risk in key areas’.
During a webinar conducted on 4 November by US-based think tank Brookings Institution, Colin Kahl, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy warned of the risks of leading with those states.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.