Biden To Cancel Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles
(LibertySociety.com) – On October 27, the Department of Defense (DOD) released its new National Defense Strategy for the US, and in it, it cancels the plan to develop nuclear-armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles (SLCM-N). The program was put into effect under the previous administration for the purpose of filling a “gap in the US arsenal” for a proper nuclear response. The program would run the country a minimum of $10 billion, not including some production, operational, and security costs. Some called the need for it unnecessary.
Biden moves to scrap Trump-era sea-launched nuclear missile program https://t.co/YodINceLZ7 pic.twitter.com/Zl2anC6X0X
— The Hill (@thehill) October 27, 2022
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, believes the Biden Administration should keep the program. The ranking commander feels the president should have “multiple options” at his disposal to deal with nuclear threats. The Biden Administration is confident in its ability to defend the country, calling the SLCM-N program “no longer necessary.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin know the United States is capable of responding to a nuclear threat. The DOD report stated in eight short years, America will face two “major nuclear powers” — China and Russia. To keep the US prepared, the Biden administration wants to use defense funds to shore up ground-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched weapons, and bomber aircraft.
Congress could try to stop the administration from scrapping the program, but even the US Navy believes the SLCM-N initiative is “cost prohibitive.”
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