Topic:mutual assured destruction — Global Security Review %

ICBM EAR Report for 22 Feb 2025

Peter Huessy — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:23:04 +0000

This report, prepared by Peter Huessy for the week of February 22, 2025, covers various aspects of nuclear deterrence, defense budget developments, and geopolitical threats.

Key topics include the Biden administration’s approach to nuclear escalation, Senator McConnell’s retirement and his views on restoring deterrence, and Russian official Medvedev’s nuclear threats.

The House and Senate have added $100-150 billion over ten years to defense, focusing on expanding the Navy, strengthening the defense industrial base, and modernizing strategic nuclear forces.

SecDef Hegseth seeks an additional $50 billion for top priorities, excluding nuclear deterrence from budget cuts.

The report highlights the importance of concurrent modernization work at the three ICBM bases, which could save billions.

It also discusses the U.S. Air Force missileers’ critical role in nuclear deterrence, the ethical and psychological aspects of their job, and the challenges of retaining diverse personnel.

The Christian Science Monitor provides an in-depth look at the missileers’ responsibilities and the evolving nuclear landscape.

Regarding North Korea, USAF General Jason Armagost emphasized that the U.S. can respond overwhelmingly to a North Korean ICBM attack, underscoring the strength of the U.S. nuclear deterrence system.

The report also touches on the potential for arms control negotiations with Russia and China, with President Trump expressing a desire for “denuclearization.”

However, the feasibility of such agreements remains uncertain, given the geopolitical complexities and the need for the U.S. to maintain a competitive edge in military capabilities.

MUST READ: The most awe-inspiring piece of the report is about “RESPONSIBILITY” from the Christian Science Monitor, dated February 14, 2025, which provides an in-depth look at the lives and duties of U.S. Air Force missileers stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

It highlights their critical role in nuclear deterrence, the gravity of their mission, and the personal and ethical complexities they face.
The article follows missileers during their 24-hour shifts, emphasizing their readiness and strict operational protocols.
It also explores the mental burden and moral dilemmas they encounter, particularly in the context of faith.
The piece touches on the historical context of missileers, their continued relevance, and the growing nuclear threats from Russia, China, and Iran.
Additionally, it discusses the challenges of attracting and retaining personnel, especially women and minorities, within this demanding career field.
The article underscores the human element of nuclear deterrence, the operational challenges of aging systems, and the evolving nuclear landscape.

Overall, the report underscores the need for robust defense investments, the challenges of modernizing nuclear forces, and the geopolitical threats posed by adversaries like Russia, China, and North Korea.

ICBM EAR Report for 22 Feb 2025 was originally published on Global Security Review.

ICBM EAR Report for December 20th

Peter Huessy — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:42:17 +0000

Summary Report for ICBM EAR Report of December 20, 2024

The EAR Report is a must read for National security professionals to stay informed about rapidly evolving global threats and the strategic implications for U.S. defense policy.

This report addresses critical developments in nuclear deterrence, missile defense, and geopolitical trends, and equips professionals with actionable insights to navigate the complexities of modern security challenges effectively.

Commentary and Quotes of the Week

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: Reaffirmed the U.S.-ROK alliance and the strengthening of extended deterrence through the Nuclear Consultative Group.
Peter Huessy: Detailed the financial and strategic implications of eliminating the ICBM leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, emphasizing the costs of alternative measures for maintaining current deterrence levels.
Jon Finer, Deputy National Security Adviser: Highlighted Pakistan’s emerging threat with the development of long-range ballistic missile capabilities.
Bill Gertz: Revealed China’s rapid nuclear buildup and the expansion of its missile capabilities.
Russian Leaders: Asserted advancements in missile systems and dismissed arms control as a relic of the past.
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: Stressed the urgency of modernizing the U.S. nuclear deterrent, citing contributions from Tennessee’s Oak Ridge Lab.

Strategic Developments of the Week

China’s Military Build-Up: The Pentagon report highlighted Beijing’s dramatic advancements in hypersonic missile technology, nuclear warheads, and ‘intelligentized warfare.’
Russia’s Strategic Actions: Russia’s legislative shift regarding the Taliban and progress in missile systems underlined its geopolitical maneuvers.
U.S. Missile Defense Challenges: Reports emphasized the lag in U.S. hypersonic missile capabilities compared to China, pressing the need for enhanced missile defense systems.
Space and Drone Developments: New legislation and technological advances highlight the increasing role of space and drones in modern warfare.

Important Reports of the Week

“President Trump Must Put the Nuclear Enterprise on a Wartime Footing” by Robert Peters:
- Advocates for accelerating nuclear arsenal modernization to restore deterrence credibility.
  Calls for a stronger commitment to stockpile stewardship and missile defense.
“Importance of Building Homeland Missile Defense” by Robert Joseph:
- Reiterates the vision of a comprehensive missile defense system to counter emerging threats.
  Proposes leveraging space-based systems for more robust and efficient protection.
“What Happens if the United States Eliminates the ICBM Leg of the Triad?”:
- Examines the repercussions of removing the ICBM leg, including massive financial costs for alternative deterrence methods and strategic vulnerabilities.

Download the Full Report

ICBM EAR Report for December 20th was originally published on Global Security Review.