In remarks at National Defense University last week, Vice President Joe Biden reiterated the Obama Administration’s goal to “take concrete steps toward a world without nuclear weapons.” Achieving that goal requires continued development of capabilities such as an “adaptive missile defense shield, conventional warheads with worldwide reach, and others [unnamed].” In the meantime, though, Biden acknowledged that the Administration recognizes it must retain “a safe, secure, and effective arsenal.” He said the Administration’s Fiscal 2011 budget reflects such key priorities as “increased funding for our nuclear complex, and a commitment to sustain our heavy bombers and land and submarine-based missile capabilities, under the new START agreement.” So, no dyad yet. (Biden’s remarks as prepared)
Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, warned that Russia would remain an enduring threat to NATO and global security, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine.