The Defense Intelligence Agency has released “Nuclear Challenges: The Growing Capabilities of Strategic Competitors and Regional Rivals,” the second edition of the 2018 report titled “Global Nuclear Landscape.”
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Scope of DIA’s Nuclear Challenge Report
Whereas the earlier publication tackled the nuclear programs of China, Russia and North Korea, the newer one offers an updated, unclassified overview of the nuclear programs of the same countries plus Iran, the DIA said Wednesday.
The information contained in the report, considered current as of June 1, includes estimates of the nuclear weapon stockpiles of Russia and China, assessments regarding the extent to which Iran and North Korea have developed nuclear weapon technologies, and descriptions of each of the four countries’ capabilities to deliver nuclear weapons to targets.
Aim of DIA’s Report
The publication of the report contributes to a broader effort to provide information regarding challenges and developments in nuclear security, as well as future projections.
As the publication notes, “The United States continues to face challenges from strategic competitors and regional rivals who have and are developing new nuclear-capable delivery systems. The threats from more advanced cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, and other novel delivery systems, coupled with growing nuclear arsenals, are threatening U.S. military advantages.”