Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. needs to strengthen its nuclear deterrent to counter growing threats from Russia and China.
- The Army should return to its Cold War role of managing land-based nuclear weapons.
- Mobile, ground-based missiles like GLCMs and GLBMs could provide flexible options for deterrence.
- These systems would help the U.S. respond to nuclear threats more effectively.
The world is changing fast, and so are the threats the United States faces. During the Cold War, the U.S. had a strong nuclear arsenal to deter Soviet aggression. But after the Cold War ended, the U.S. scaled back its nuclear forces. Now, with Russia and China modernizing their nuclear weapons, the U.S. needs to adapt. The Army, which once played a key role in nuclear deterrence, should step back into this critical mission.
The Cold War Era: A Time of Strength
During the Cold War, the U.S. had a wide range of nuclear weapons. These included land-based missiles operated by the Army, which made it harder for the Soviet Union to decide how to respond to a threat. The President had more options to escalate or de-escalate a conflict.
Weapons like the Lance and Pershing II missiles were crucial. They were mobile, hard to detect, and could strike targets quickly. These missiles gave the U.S. a strong deterrent in Europe and other regions.
But after the Cold War, the U.S. retired most of its non-strategic nuclear weapons. The Army stopped managing nuclear weapons entirely. Today, the U.S. has only one type of forward-deployed nuclear weapon: the B-61 gravity bomb.
The Growing Threat Today
Thirty-five years after the Cold War, the world is more dangerous. Russia and China are expanding their nuclear arsenals and using nuclear threats to get what they want. Russia has broken most nuclear treaties and has far more non-strategic nuclear weapons than the U.S. China is rapidly building its nuclear capabilities, including missiles that can strike ships and land targets.
This shift creates a problem for the U.S. The B-61 bomb, while useful, has limits. It must be dropped from aircraft, which can be vulnerable in contested airspace. This limits the U.S.’s ability to respond quickly and flexibly to nuclear threats.
The Solution: Ground-Based Nuclear Systems
To address these challenges, the U.S. needs to bring back ground-based nuclear systems. These systems, such as Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCMs) and Ground-Launched Ballistic Missiles (GLBMs), offer several advantages.
GLCMs are stealthy, hard to detect, and can fly close to the ground, making them less likely to be intercepted. GLBMs are faster but can be detected more easily. However, they can be equipped with maneuverable reentry vehicles to evade defenses.
These missiles are ideal for the Indo-Pacific region, where the U.S. lacks forward bases. Their long range and mobility make them a credible deterrent. They can also be deployed in allied countries, reassuring partners and deterring aggression without needing to send forces from the U.S.
Indo-Pacific Challenges
In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. faces a unique set of challenges. The region is vast, and the U.S. has few bases close to potential hotspots. The B-61 bomb, with its short range and need for aircraft support, is less effective here.
Ground-based missiles like GLCMs and GLBMs could fill this gap. They can be fired from remote locations, reaching targets thousands of kilometers away. This would give the U.S. more options to respond to threats in the region.
Leveraging Existing Resources
The U.S. already has some of the technology it needs. The Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a highly accurate, long-range missile. If it were made nuclear-capable, it would provide a new layer of deterrence.
The Army is also developing a Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon. This weapon, which can travel at hypersonic speeds, could be equipped with a nuclear warhead. Such a system would be nearly impossible to intercept, making it a powerful deterrent.
The Way Forward
The U.S. withdrawal from non-strategic nuclear weapons after the Cold War made sense at the time. But now, with Russia and China expanding their arsenals, the U.S. needs to adapt. The Army’s expertise in ground-based systems makes it the perfect service to take on this mission.
By reintroducing mobile, land-based nuclear weapons, the U.S. can strengthen its deterrence and provide the President with more flexible options. This would help prevent conflicts and ensure that the U.S. can respond effectively if deterrence fails.
Conclusion
The world is becoming more dangerous, and the U.S. must act to protect itself and its allies. Bringing the Army back into the nuclear mission is a critical step. With ground-based missiles and new technologies like hypersonic weapons, the U.S. can rebuild its nuclear deterrent.
This is not just about weapons—it’s about creating peace through strength. By giving the President more options and ensuring the U.S. can respond to threats, the Army’s return to the nuclear mission will help keep the world safe for years to come.