Does US Strategic Missile Defense System Need to Be Re-Examined?

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) is before the Senate for its advice and consent to ratification, provides for a resumption of vital on-site inspections of Russian strategic nuclear facilities. There is no substitute for on-site inspections. They provide not only the “boots on the ground” presence to confirm Russian data declarations, thus helping to verify compliance with treaty obligations, but also insights into Russian strategic forces located at those facilities, stressed Assistant Secretary Rose Gottemoeller of Bureau of Arms Control and Verification.

According to the State Department, the Treaty is a continuation of the international arms control and nonproliferation framework that the United States has worked hard to foster and strengthen for the last 50 years. It will provide ongoing transparency and predictability regarding the world’s two largest strategic arsenals, while preserving the United States’ ability to maintain the strong, credible nuclear deterrent that is a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends. U.S. knowledge of Russian nuclear forces will substantially erode over time if the treaty is not ratified and brought into force, increasing the risk of misunderstandings, mistrust, and worst-case analysis and policymaking.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov summoned the new START treaty as a “new good start” in Russian-U.S. relations, saying the two countries “should keep the momentum and move further with this positive agenda.” However, Ryabkov noted that although the two countries have taken “an important step” to strengthen the nuclear nonproliferation regime, Russia would reconsider its fulfillment of the new START if the United States keeps mounting missile defense.

“If the United States increases the size and quality of missile defense individually or together with NATO partners, a question will arise whether Russia should further comply with the treaty or other measures, including military-technical measures, would be necessary in response to the new situation,” emphasized the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister.. Read More