The US faces a pivotal decision on whether to deploy nuclear-armed cruise missiles on submarines, a move that could reshape its deterrence strategy amid rising tensions with China and Russia.
This month, USNI News reported that the US is considering the deployment of nuclear-armed submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM-N) from modified Virginia-class nuclear submarines (SSN).
In a US Senate hearing panel this month, Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, the US Navy’s director of strategic systems programs, addressed the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the modification of Virginia-class attack submarines to accommodate SLCM-Ns. Wolfe highlighted the preliminary nature of cost estimates and the need for flexibility in the program.
Senator Mark Kelly expressed concerns about the potential trade-offs of such modifications, particularly the impact on torpedo capabilities and other strategic weapon programs. The testimony underscored the delicate balance required to execute the SLCM-N program effectively considering the limited pool of experienced government personnel and the degraded state of the nuclear weapons industrial base.
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https://asiatimes.com/2024/05/us-mulls-nuke-cruise-missiles-on-subs-to-deter-china/
