Senator Fischer on Russian and Chinese Nuclear Threats and US Deterrence

Nomination of Admiral Carell

• 🇺🇸 The hearing considers the nomination of Vice Admiral Richard Corell to become Admiral and commander of the United States Strategic Command (Stratcom).
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Admiral Corell, a career submariner, has a distinguished record and his leadership is deemed invaluable for Stratcom.

Adversarial Nuclear Powers

• 🇷🇺 Russia is completing a significant modernization of its nuclear forces, possessing modern, diverse, and capable weapons, and testing new systems like the Skyfall missile.
• 🇨🇳 China is also rapidly modernizing its nuclear forces with less transparency, aiming to potentially triple its stockpile by 2035.
• ⚠️ Both nations pose a threat, requiring Stratcom to ensure they remain deterred from attacking the US or its allies.

Modernizing US Nuclear Forces

• ⏳ The US faces challenges with aging nuclear assets, including the 60-year-old Minuteman 3 ICBMs and Ohio-class submarines approaching 40 years old.
• ✈️ While new systems like the Sentinel ICBM, Columbia-class submarines, and B-21 bombers are progressing, delays are a concern.
• 🛡️ The Stratcom commander's role is crucial in mitigating risks from these delays and ensuring continuous 24/7 mission capability.

Addressing Capability Gaps

• 🎯 A gap exists in responding to an adversary's potential use of a tactical nuclear weapon, based on the theory of 'escalate to deescalate'.
• 💬 Admiral Corell's insights on options to address this and the command, control, and communication (NC3) of nuclear forces, referred to as the 'fourth leg of the triad', are highly anticipated.
• 🗺️ Continuing the NC3 roadmap developed by the previous commander is vital for maintaining effective and reliable nuclear deterrence.