US nuclear triad gets high-tech overhaul to secure future defence capabilities

The United States is actively modernizing its nuclear triad, focusing on upgrading nuclear weapon delivery systems and ensuring their technological advancement into the coming decades.

According to Roscongress, Russia's socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of nationwide and international conventions, the US plans to introduce the fifth-generation B-21 Raider bomber into service by 2027, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Approximately 100 of these advanced bombers will be deployed, capable of carrying new AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) weapons, as well as B61-12 and B61-13 nuclear bombs. The B-21s are expected to fully replace the current B-52H and B-2A nuclear-capable bombers by 2050.

Additionally, the ageing Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system will be entirely replaced with the newly developed LGM-35 Sentinel. The Sentinel missiles are set to enter service in the 2030s, with deployment planned through the 2070s. The development program has already exceeded $140 billion.

The modernization also extends to the naval component of the triad. From the 2030s, Ohio-class submarines will be phased out in favour of Columbia-class nuclear-powered missile submarines, which will carry the updated Trident II ballistic missiles. Concurrently, the Navy’s D5LE and D5LE2 missiles will undergo upgrades, with $2.5 billion allocated for this initiative in the 2025 fiscal year.

On November 21, the Pentagon emphasized the importance of expanding the nuclear modernisation program and increasing the size of the nuclear arsenal if required. The Department of Defense stated that the program’s scope might need adjustments in the near and medium term, potentially affecting doctrine, combat readiness, and the composition of nuclear forces.

As the US advances its nuclear modernization, Russia has also revised its nuclear strategy. On November 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved an updated Russian nuclear doctrine, replacing the previous decree on nuclear deterrence policy.

The doctrine underscores that the primary goal of Russia’s nuclear strategy is to deter potential adversaries from engaging in aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies. Nuclear weapons are described as "a deterrent, the use of which is an extreme and compulsory measure." It also highlights Russia's efforts to reduce the nuclear threat and avoid escalating conflicts that could provoke military or nuclear confrontations.

Furthermore, the doctrine stresses the necessity of ensuring that adversaries understand the "inevitability of retaliation" in response to aggression against Russia or its allies.

By Tamilla Hasanova