U.S. Strategic Command Chief Highlights Nuclear Deterrence as National Security Priority

Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander of U.S. Strategic Command (Stratcom), assured lawmakers that the nation’s nuclear forces remain safe, secure, and effective during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Speaking in Washington, Cotton emphasized that Stratcom stands ready to respond decisively—on land, in the air, and at sea—should deterrence fail.

"The Stratcom mission has never been more critical than today," he said, pointing to a rapidly deteriorating global security environment.

He detailed growing threats from adversaries, noting that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal beyond 600 warheads, Russia has modernized most of its nuclear capabilities, North Korea continues its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, and Iran remains engaged in uranium enrichment. In addition to nuclear threats, Cotton highlighted emerging challenges such as advanced missile systems, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and competition in the electromagnetic spectrum.

To counter these threats, Cotton underscored the urgent need to modernize the U.S. nuclear triad—comprising land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers—stating that no defense portfolio requires recapitalization more.

"Sustained, uninterrupted funding and a resilient industrial base are essential to ensuring our strategic weapons remain a credible deterrent," he said.

In his prepared testimony, Cotton also stressed the importance of personnel in maintaining deterrence, citing a dedicated team of nearly 41,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel at Stratcom. "We must continue to attract, develop, and retain this valuable resource through professional development and career-enhancing experiences," he wrote.

With geopolitical tensions rising, Cotton’s message to lawmakers was clear: continued investment in nuclear deterrence is vital to U.S. national security and global stability.