{"id":15905,"date":"2017-11-08T14:12:13","date_gmt":"2017-11-08T14:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2017\/11\/08\/rising-nuclear-threats-require-a-modern-deterrent-commentary\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T21:30:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T21:30:31","slug":"rising-nuclear-threats-require-a-modern-deterrent-commentary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/commentary\/2017\/11\/08\/rising-nuclear-threats-require-a-modern-deterrent-commentary\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising nuclear threats require a modern deterrent [Commentary]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

America\u2019s attention is focused intently on North Korea\u2019s nuclear program, and each day seems to bring more information on the Kim regime\u2019s continued pursuit of nuclear warheads and new missiles to carry them to our shores. The threat of nuclear attack \u2014 something long pushed to the margins of our national security conversation \u2014 is once again front-page news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our defense against this growing threat relies first and foremost on the capability of our own nuclear deterrent. As the bipartisan leadership of the Senate subcommittee that oversees our nuclear arsenal, our top priority is to ensure our nuclear forces have the resources they need to continue protecting our country. Doing so helps persuade rogue leaders like Kim Jong Un that the costs of doing us harm would far, far outweigh any imaginable gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth be told, however, our nuclear deterrent is aging and in need of modernization. A changing security environment means we must take stock of our nuclear posture and ensure our forces are properly configured. In fact, such a review is now underway and expected to be completed by the end of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\t