US considers increasing Nuclear weapons amid rising threats.
The United States might need to deploy additional strategic nuclear weapons in the future to counter escalating threats from Russia, China, and other adversaries, according to Pranay Vaddi, the top National Security Council arms control official.
Vaddi delivered a crucial speech on Friday to the Arms Control Association, where he outlined a potential policy shift towards “a more competitive approach” to arms control.
Policy Shift to Encourage Arms Limitation Talks:
Vaddi emphasized that the U.S. needs to prepare for the possibility of increasing its nuclear arsenal if adversary nations continue to expand theirs.
“Absent a change in adversary arsenals, we may reach a point in the coming years where an increase from current deployed numbers is required. We need to be fully prepared to execute if the president makes that decision,” Vaddi stated.
Current U.S. Nuclear Limits and Treaty Complications:
The United States currently adheres to a limit of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads, as established by the 2010 New START treaty with Russia.
However, this treaty faced complications last year when Russia suspended its participation, citing U.S. support for Ukraine.
#BREAKING 🚨🇺🇸⚡The White House: The US may reach the point of increasing the deployment of nuclear weapons due to threats from competitors pic.twitter.com/mkjgbuSQS5
— MonitorX (@MonitorX99800) June 7, 2024
The U.S. deemed Russia’s suspension “legally invalid.”
Contrast with Previous Administration Stance:
Vaddi’s comments mark a departure from the previous administration’s stance.
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A year ago, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan assured the same group that there was no necessity to increase U.S. strategic nuclear arms deployments in response to the arsenals of Russia and China. Sullivan had also extended an offer for talks “without preconditions.”
US considers increasing Nuclear weapons:
Despite the call for readiness, Vaddi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to international arms control and non-proliferation regimes designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons.
He highlighted the rapid expansion and diversification of nuclear arsenals by Russia, China, and North Korea, which show little interest in arms control.
Growing Cooperation Among Adversarial Nations:
Vaddi also pointed out the increasing cooperation among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea in ways that threaten global peace and stability.
These nations are sharing advanced missile and drone technology, with Russia utilizing Iranian drones and North Korean artillery and missiles in Ukraine, alongside Chinese support for Russia’s defense industries.
