US upgrading nuclear arsenal to deter Russian ‘aggression’

In this photo provided by the US Air Force, an unarmed Minuteman 3 missile launches on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Minutemen missiles are among the vehicles in the US nuclear arsenal. AP

SIMI VALLEY, United States — The United States is adapting its “operational posture” to counter Russian aggression, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Saturday.

“We are adapting our operational posture and contingency plans as we – on our own and with allies – work to deter Russia’s aggression, and to help reduce the vulnerability of allies and partners,” Carter told a defense forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California.

Carter said the United States was modernizing its nuclear arsenal, investing in new technologies such as drones and a new long-range bomber, as well as lasers, an electromagnetic railgun and new systems for electronic warfare.

The defense chief hinted at additional new weapons that would be “surprising ones I really can’t describe here.”

Additionally, “we’re updating and advancing our operational plans for deterrence and defense given Russia’s changed behavior,” Carter said.

“Finally, we’re leveraging other US government capabilities, to include information campaigns to ensure the truth gets through and focused sanctions which have had an impact on Russia.”

Carter was addressing key US politicians and figures from the defense sector at the Reagan National Defense Forum, hosted by the Reagan library in Simi Valley.