The US nuclear weapons modernisation programme is estimated at a whopping $1.2 trillion. Joe Biden intends to cut that amount
The 78-year-old Democrat plans to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in the Pentagon’s military strategy. Even at the height of the election race, Biden criticized Donald Trump for his decision to create new sea-based missile systems. Moreover, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing Washington officials, the new administration will review plans to develop a new land-based intercontinental ballistic missile. The cost of the project is estimated at $100 billion.
It is true that such prospects have provoked controversy over the future of the US nuclear arsenal. Conservatives, in particular, believe that the country is obliged to develop a nuclear triad, with which the United States has many problems. However, if Biden keeps his campaign promises, Washington may abandon the doctrine that allows it to respond with nuclear weapons to a non-nuclear attack.
In such a scenario, the Pentagon would be forced to extend the life of the long outdated Minuteman III missile, manufactured back in the 1970s.
A pause in the plans for a new ICBM would delay the impressive spending and allow time for continued arms negotiations with the Russians,” said George Perkovich of the Carnegie Endowment. – If it doesn’t work out with the Russians, you can get back to the programme.