Radical Steps toward ‘Minimal Nuclear Deterrence’ Continue to Undermine American Security

Posted by Matt in October 15th, 2009

First is the idea that reducing our deterrent force to no more than 500 warheads, (from the current level of roughly 2,200) is somehow a good idea. There is no discussion, only assertions that such a force is adequate to provide deterrence not only for the U.S. but for our numerous allies that rely upon our extended deterrent capability. Second, it is admitted the Chinese arsenal of nuclear warheads might very well reach such a number, as would a Russian arsenal already far in excess of that. Such an eventuality is airily dismissed as not posing any strategic risk to the United States despite the fact that our deployment of 500 warheads most likely would be on a notional force of some eight submarines and 10 bombers meaning that the potential ratio of combined Chinese and Russian warheads to US platforms would be something on the order of 50 to 1 compared to the current ratio of 5 to 1. How can that be a “good idea?”

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