Lamborn signals continuity in House space focus, toes harder nuclear line

Lamborn signals continuity in House space focus, toes harder nuclear line
Lamborn signals continuity in House space focus, toes harder nuclear line

Pentagon acquisition of space systems needs to be “faster and leaner,” stressed Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., who is expected to chair the House strategic forces subcommittee next year.

EXCLUSIVE: US Strategic Space Review signed out, but no unclassified version is coming

EXCLUSIVE: US Strategic Space Review signed out, but no unclassified version is coming
EXCLUSIVE: US Strategic Space Review signed out, but no unclassified version is coming

“If we want deterrence to be effective, it takes three things: 1. Capabilities 2. Credible threats in the mind of the adversary and 3. The will to communicate the first two,” Chris Stone, Mitchell Institute fellow, told Breaking Defense.

Nuclear, missile defense reviews target increasing Russian, Chinese threats

Nuclear, missile defense reviews target increasing Russian, Chinese threats
Nuclear, missile defense reviews target increasing Russian, Chinese threats

The two reviews were largely welcomed by more hawkish commentators and criticized by supporters of more robust approaches to nuclear arms control — with the latter lamenting that Biden has walked away from campaign promises to reduce US reliance on nuclear weapons.

STRATCOM nominee to ‘assess’ controversial sea-launched nuke before cancellation

STRATCOM nominee to ‘assess’ controversial sea-launched nuke before cancellation
STRATCOM nominee to ‘assess’ controversial sea-launched nuke before cancellation

Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, who is nominated to lead US Strategic Command, said he wants to evaluate whether SLCM-N is the right fit to meet an existing nuclear capability gap.

House authorizers approve $45M to keep sea-launched nuke on life support

House authorizers approve $45M to keep sea-launched nuke on life support
House authorizers approve $45M to keep sea-launched nuke on life support

“No one can tell in an uncertain world what we will need, but it’s important to keep this option available,” said Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.

Grady ‘aligned’ with Milley on embattled low-yield nuke program

Grady ‘aligned’ with Milley on embattled low-yield nuke program
Grady ‘aligned’ with Milley on embattled low-yield nuke program

“It’s all about providing the president options against a broad series of contingencies. And in this respect, I am in favor of continuing to assess and evaluate the SLCM-N,” the Pentagon’s No. 2 general said.

Milley breaks with cancelation of new nuclear cruise missile

Milley breaks with cancelation of new nuclear cruise missile
Milley breaks with cancelation of new nuclear cruise missile

“My general view is that this president or any president deserve to have multiple options to deal with national security situations,” Milley said. “And my advice is listened to. And I have an opportunity to express my voice on a continuous basis many, many times.”

Biden administration kills Trump-era nuclear cruise missile program

Biden administration kills Trump-era nuclear cruise missile program
Biden administration kills Trump-era nuclear cruise missile program

After conducting the upcoming Nuclear Posture Review, the Biden administration has chosen to end the sea-launched cruise missile program, a senior Pentagon official said.

GBSD: First Missile Test Flight 2023, Initial Production 2026

GBSD: First Missile Test Flight 2023, Initial Production 2026
GBSD: First Missile Test Flight 2023, Initial Production 2026

“We’ve entered into the next big phase, what we call ‘CDR season,'” Greg Manuel, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s Strategic Deterrent Systems division, told Breaking Defense.

Nuclear Modernization Casts Budget Shadow Over Air Force Plans

Nuclear Modernization Casts Budget Shadow Over Air Force Plans
Nuclear Modernization Casts Budget Shadow Over Air Force Plans

“There’s no free money, right, so it has to come from somewhere,” said Lt. Gen. Clinton Hinote, deputy chief of staff for strategy, integration and requirements.

How President Biden Can Reduce Nuclear Dangers Without Congress

How President Biden Can Reduce Nuclear Dangers Without Congress
How President Biden Can Reduce Nuclear Dangers Without Congress

“Biden is sending a clear message: he will take on nuclear issues only as long as they do not undermine his top legislative priorities,” write Tom Collina and Doreen Horschig.

JROC’s Next Target: ‘Integrated Air & Missile Defense’

JROC’s Next Target: ‘Integrated Air & Missile Defense’
JROC’s Next Target: ‘Integrated Air & Missile Defense’

“I would like to have overhead sensors that see everything, characterize everything that goes on on this planet from a missile perspective, all the time everywhere. … That’s unobtainium right now,” says VCJCS Gen. John Hyten.

Allies Push Back Against US Waffling on New START

Allies Push Back Against US Waffling on New START
Allies Push Back Against US Waffling on New START

“New START was flawed from the beginning,” National Security Adviser John Bolton said Tuesday. “It is due to expire in February 2021 and while no decision has been made, it is unlikely to be extended. We need to focus on something better. And we will.”

Sen. Hoeven: Fully Fund GBSD & Nuke Warhead Modernization

Sen. Hoeven: Fully Fund GBSD & Nuke Warhead Modernization
Sen. Hoeven: Fully Fund GBSD & Nuke Warhead Modernization

You don’t see lots of op-eds from members of the House or Senate appropriations committees. Why? The so-called cardinals — whose influence has slipped with the demise of regular budget order in the two chambers — remain among the most powerful figures on Capitol Hill because they have a greater say than most of their…