U.S. warns of potential nuclear arms increase amidst global tensions
"Russia, China and North Korea are all expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals at a breakneck pace. It will result in a determination that more nuclear weapons are required to deter our adversaries and protect the American people and our allies," said Pranay Vaddi, the Director of Arms Control in the U.S. National Security Council. However, Joe Biden's advisor noted that Washington still abides by the limits set by the U.S.-Russian New START treaty.
"Absent a change in the trajectory of the adversary arsenal, we may reach a point in the coming years where an increase from current deployed numbers is required, and we need to be fully prepared to execute if the president makes that decision," - Vaddi said on Friday at the Arms Control Association conference in Washington, D.C.
The official responsible for nuclear weapons policy at the White House outlined the administration's plan to modernise the U.S. nuclear arsenal, focusing more on quality than quantity.
He mentioned the introduction of the new B61-13 aerial bomb, which is expected to enhance the capabilities to strike larger and "harder" military targets.
He also emphasised that the U.S. still adheres to the limit of deployed nuclear warheads (1,550), set by the U.S.-Russian New START treaty, in force since 2010. He expressed hope that adhering to these limits would encourage Russia to engage in talks about a further nuclear arms control agreement.
The New START treaty was suspended by Russia last year and is set to expire in 2026. Moscow refuses to negotiate a new agreement. Vaddi stated that this stance, combined with the rapid expansion of China's nuclear arsenal and North Korea's actions, could provoke a new arms race.
"The failure of Russia and China to engage in meaningful negotiations, Mr. Vaddi said, was "forcing the United States and our close allies and partners to prepare for a world where nuclear competition occurs without numerical constraints." reports New York Times.
