Mattis Hails Nuclear Triad as Pentagon Conducts Review

As Defense Secretary Jim Mattis concludes a nuclear-focused trip, his public backing this week of all three parts of the triad likely serves as an important sign for the forthcoming Pentagon review of United States nuclear weapons policy.

In April, the Department of Defense launched a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) set to be completed this year. Taking a look at U.S. nuclear enterprise as well as future policy, the review is meant to examine everything from the budget to the global nuclear security environment. The NPR, and Mattis’ trip, also comes against the backdrop of North Korea’s aggressive behavior as well as a needed reappraisal of threats from countries such as Russia, China, and Iran, given that the last review was done in 2010.

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