US strengthens nuclear deterrence strategy against Russia and China

The United States is taking new steps to strengthen its nuclear defense against growing threats from Russia and China. According to a recent report from the Pentagon, Washington is working on new military strategies to keep its allies and itself safe from these nuclear threats.

The Department of Defense made a statement on Thursday, warning that "multiple nuclear peer adversaries challenge the US and its allies' security." 

This means that both Russia and China are increasing and modernizing their nuclear weapons. As these countries grow their military power, the US needs to adjust its approach to nuclear deterrence.

Richard Johnson, the deputy assistant secretary of defense, highlighted that the US might need to update its 2022 Nuclear Posture Review. 

This review is a key document that outlines the US's plans for nuclear weapons and how it will use them to prevent attacks. Johnson also mentioned that the current efforts to modernize the US nuclear arsenal might not be enough to keep up with Russia and China’s growing capabilities.

To address these concerns, the Pentagon has already started taking action. The US is working on a new version of the B61 gravity bomb, called the B61-13. 

This new bomb will replace older versions and provide the US with more options to target harder and larger military sites. 

However, the US says this update is not in response to any recent events or conflicts, and it will not increase the overall number of nuclear weapons in the country’s stockpile.

In addition to the B61-13 bomb, the US is also focusing on improving the readiness of its Ohio-class submarines. These submarines are an important part of the US nuclear defense system. They are specially designed to carry nuclear missiles that can travel up to 12,000 kilometers. These submarines play a key role in the US nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, bombers, and submarines. The US is making sure these submarines are ready for action at any time.

This move comes after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered changes to the country’s nuclear strategy. 

In late September, Russia updated its nuclear doctrine to include a warning that if any non-nuclear country attacks Russia or its allies with the help of a nuclear state, Russia will treat it as an attack from both countries. 

Putin approved these changes on November 19, especially after the US and other Western nations allowed Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike deep into Russia. Russia had warned that this could lead to NATO directly entering the conflict.

Earlier this week, Russia responded by using its newest medium-range hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, to strike Ukraine. 

Russia said the attack was in retaliation for Ukraine’s cross-border strikes using US-made weapons like the ATACMS and HIMARS missiles, as well as British-made Storm Shadow missiles.

As tensions rise, the US is making it clear that it is ready to defend itself and its allies from the growing nuclear threats posed by Russia and China. The Pentagon’s steps to update its nuclear defense strategies show that Washington is staying vigilant and prepared for any future challenges.