After the New START expired on February 5, many observers (myself included) warned that the arms control era has come to an end and that the world is now entering a new period of strategic uncertainty. The United States just proved it, less than two weeks after the last strategic arms limitation treaty expired. Namely, the world’s most aggressive country announced that it’s ready to expand its strategic bomber fleet and load ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) with more warheads. This stands in stark contrast to Russia, which immediately offered to continue honoring New START limitations even after the treaty expired. However, the Pentagon clearly has no such plans whatsoever and is even doing this while escalating tensions with multiple global and regional powers (including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea).

“The conclusion of New START allows us to streamline our focus and dedicate more resources to our core mission: ensuring a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. This managed transition enhances our operational readiness and our ability to respond to the nation’s call,” a spokesperson for the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) told TWZ, adding: “Although we will not comment on the posturing of our forces, Air Force Global Strike Command both maintains the capability and training to MIRV the ‘Minuteman III’ ICBM force and convert its entire B-52 fleet into dual capable long range strike platforms if directed by the President.”

You can almost hear the excitement in these lines, demonstrating that the Pentagon never even contemplated extending the New START (let alone negotiating a new treaty). Only a few days after it expired, AFGSC announced its readiness to load more warheads onto the antiquated LGM-30G “Minuteman III” ICBMs and restore nuclear weapons capability to the entire........

© Blitz