REPORT ADVOCATES MODERNIZATION, ADVISES AGAINST FURTHER NUKE CUTS

The United States should not further reduce the size of its nuclear arsenal, according to a new report by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments that suggests continuing rounds of nuclear cuts could endanger strategic stability and the U.S. nuclear umbrella while wearing away the nation’s ability to deter nuclear use by hostile regional powers. The 40-page report argues that instead of pursuing new nuclear cuts or altering the composition of its nuclear forces, the U.S. should continue with efforts to modernize the nation’s nuclear stockpile and triad of delivery vehicle. “Abandoning modernization efforts would be tantamount to major nuclear cuts given the age of existing warheads and delivery systems, the long timelines associated with developing new capabilities, and the fact that the United States no longer has the infrastructure or personnel in place to quickly begin producing nuclear weapons if necessary—a situation that will only grow worse over time,” the study says.