Despite Russia’s recent resumption of long-range bomber operations and an aggressive ICBM modernization program, there’s no need to rethink the size or posture of US nuclear forces just now, according to US Strategic Command chief Air Force Gen. Kevin Chilton. Speaking with reporters Friday in Los Angeles, Chilton said he’s not seen anything in Russia’s reinvigorating military that would cause a change in the number of nuclear systems fielded by the US. “I’m comfortable with where we are right now,” Chilton said. Also, even though the US has been downsizing its nuclear cruise missile fleet, he sees no imminent retirement for the B-52, which is the only bomber certified to carry them. Moreover, he sees no problem with Air Combat Command using the B-52 as a standoff jammer, provided ACC continues to make a certain number of the venerable bombers available for the nuclear mission.
Concerned about how artificial intelligence might be used to generate target lists or operational plans, lawmakers want to expand limits on autonomous weapons to address mission planning and target selection. The House Armed Services Committee's version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization bill would direct the Pentagon to revise Defense…