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In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Defense said that \u201cmultiple nuclear peer adversaries challenge the US and its allies\u2019 and partners\u2019 security,\u201d adding that those countries are growing and modernizing their nuclear arsenals, RT reported.<\/p>\n
In light of this, Richard Johnson, deputy assistant secretary of defense, singled out Russia and China and noted that the US may need to adjust its 2022 Nuclear Posture Review to maintain nuclear deterrence. He noted, however, that the current nuclear modernization effort may not be enough.<\/p>\n
According to Johnson, to address those concerns, the Pentagon \u201chas already taken steps to field capabilities to enhance nuclear deterrence and flexibility.\u201d The key elements include the development of the B61-13 gravity bomb, and increased readiness of nuclear-armed and powered Ohio-class submarines.<\/p>\n
The Pentagon announced the development of a new variant of the B61 bomb last October, saying that it would replace some of the older versions and provide the US with \u201cadditional options against certain harder and large-area military targets.\u201d Meanwhile, Washington stressed that fielding the B61-13 \u201cis not in response to any specific current event\u201d and would not increase the overall nuclear stockpile.<\/p>\n
The Ohio-class submarines are the key element of the US nuclear triad and are specifically designed for nuclear deterrence. They can be armed with Trident missiles with a range of up to 12,000 km.<\/p>\n
Johnson\u2019s comments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a change in the nation\u2019s nuclear doctrine in late September. The document was amended to stipulate that \u201can aggression against the Russian Federation and\/or its allies of any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state will be regarded as their joint attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Putin approved the changes on November 19 as the US and several Western nations allowed Ukraine to use foreign-made long-range weapons for strikes deep into Russia, despite Moscow\u2019s warning that this would escalate the conflict and result in NATO\u2019s direct participation in the hostilities.<\/p>\n
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