Robert Kadlec, assistant secretary for nuclear deterrence, chemical and biological defense policy and programs, told the House Armed Services Committee that U.S. strategy faces a critical moment. “U.S. strategy is at a critical inflection point,” he said during testimony to the strategic forces subcommittee.
Kadlec highlighted China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear capabilities, describing it as an unprecedented development. He said the United States must now be prepared to deter two near-peer nuclear adversaries simultaneously.
“Our force structure posture and nuclear strategy must be robust enough to deter both peers simultaneously, even if we were to be engaged in a major conventional conflict with one,” Kadlec said. He added that adversaries could seek to exploit multi-theater conflicts to stretch U.S. capabilities.
The expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in February has further complicated the strategic landscape. Without its limits on deployed warheads, the United States must reassess its deterrence posture in a more uncertain environment.
Kadlec said the United States does not need to match the combined nuclear arsenals of its adversaries. Instead, it must maintain sufficient capability to ensure credible deterrence under all conditions.
“It means we require a nuclear force sufficient to inflict unacceptable costs on both adversaries under any contingency — ensuring that neither believes that they can exploit a crisis elsewhere for their own gain,” he said. He emphasized that modernization of the nuclear triad is essential to achieving this goal.
“Our modernization programs are an urgent necessity,” Kadlec added. “The transition from our legacy systems to a modernized triad occurs during a period of maximum geopolitical risk. There is no room for error.”
Officials also stressed the importance of fully funding key modernization programs. These include the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Columbia-class submarine, the B-21 Raider bomber, the long-range standoff cruise missile and a nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile.
“We’re entering into a new, more dangerous era,” Kadlec said. “The luxury of assuming a single major adversary is gone. The cost of modernizing our nuclear deterrent is significant, but the cost of failing to do so is immeasurably greater. Congress’ continued support is essential to ensure we have the deterrent we need to preserve peace, protect our nation and our freedom.”
