Congressional Commission Urges US Military Modernization to Address Worsening Security Environment
A bipartisan congressional commission evaluating the strategic posture of the United States has released a report calling for increased military modernization to address the deteriorating security environment. The report emphasizes the need for the US to enhance its conventional and nuclear forces to prepare for the possibility of simultaneous conflicts with China and Russia.
The commission, consisting of six Democrats and six Republicans, describes the current global environment as fundamentally different from anything experienced in the past, including the darkest days of the Cold War. They stress the urgency of taking immediate action to counter the threats facing the country. This report comes 14 years after the last major review was published in 2009.
According to the commission, the US is at the brink of facing two nuclear peer adversaries, both with ambitions to change the international status quo by force if necessary. This situation has caught the US off guard and unprepared. While the risk of a major nuclear conflict remains low, the risk of military conflict with Russia and China has grown, along with the risk of nuclear use against the US homeland.
The commission acknowledges the advancements in air and missile defense made by Russia and China. Furthermore, it accepts the Pentagon’s forecast that China is likely to have 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has previously highlighted China as the most serious long-term challenge to the international order, advocating for a strategy of investment, alignment, and competition to address this challenge.
The report’s recommendations include the full and urgent execution of the nuclear weapons modernization program that began in 2010, encompassing all warheads, nuclear delivery systems, and nuclear command, control, and communications. The commission also suggests the deployment of more tactical nuclear weapons in Asia and Europe, the production of additional B-21 stealth bombers and Columbia-class nuclear submarines, and the exploitation of emerging technologies such as hypersonics and AI.
In addition to nuclear capabilities, the report emphasizes the need for enhancements to the conventional forces of the US and its allies.
The commission highlights the drastic deterioration of the security environment since 2009 when the situation had improved, and China was considered a lesser concern. Urgency is stressed in addressing these challenges, with the report stating that the steps are needed now.
In conclusion, the congressional commission’s report underscores the critical importance of military modernization for the United States. With a changing and worsening security environment, the US must enhance its conventional and nuclear forces to effectively respond to potential conflicts with China and Russia. Immediate action is required to ensure the readiness and preparedness of the US military for the evolving global threats.
