The nuclear triad of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines, and strategic bombers, as well as the nuclear command and control system, are at the core of U.S. defense strategy, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command told a Senate panel.
“These capabilities are foundational to our survival as a nation,” Navy Adm. Charles A. Richard told the Senate Armed Services Committee, appearing at a budget hearing with Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O”Shaughnessy, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.
“Modernization of the triad is essential for maintaining strategic deterrence, which is foundational for everything else the Defense Department does,” Richard said, adding that Russia and China are heavily investing in these systems.