By Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently adjusted its strategy against Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to a more sophisticated approach that reacts to the ever-changing threat scenario on a global scale. In late 2023, the DoD created its “Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction,” which established a framework meant to protect the United States against the WMD threat spectrum, including nuclear, biological, and chemical risks. This approach acknowledges the serious challenges the DoD currently faces due to the complex and varied nature of modern WMD threats. The strategy’s core is the proper identification of the various actors and threat vectors within the current WMD threat environment. It particularly identifies China as a pacing threat, Russia as an acute threat, and North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations as persistent threats. This identification is crucial in tailoring the U.S. defense posture and capabilities to meet the specific challenges that actors present, thus ensuring that resources and efforts are directed where they are most needed.
The Department of Defense’s strategy involves the use of a whole-of-government approach involving military, diplomatic, informational, and economic tools. It seeks to prevent adversaries from developing, acquiring, or using WMDs while preparing U.S. forces to respond to and recover from any WMD incident. The strategy details how the U.S. will work in alliance with its partners and allies to boost collective WMD defense capabilities, as is recognized that international cooperation is crucial to combating WMDs.
Pentagon positions for New Nuclear War Threat
The DoD is directly investing in directed-energy weapons (DEWs), such as high-powered lasers and microwaves, in an effort to start future-proofing national security technology. These systems are being developed to counter a variety of threats, ranging from medium to long-range ballistic threats like rockets, missiles, drones, and other WMD-delivery mechanisms. The DEWs, if effectively developed, could constitute defensive measures that are cost-effective and efficient, able to engage threats at high velocity.
Notable developments within this space include the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at New Mexico, where tests are underway to defeat airborne threats utilizing the CHIMERA Air Base Defense System, developed by Raytheon. Such tests are aimed at demonstrating the capability of DEWs in effectively eliminating threats within a very short period, thus supporting the potential of directed-energy systems as a key layer of defense against an array of threats.
Investment in DEWs has been significant, reaching an estimated $1 billion per year for the development of these technologies. The funds underpin efforts such as these to bring futuristic weapons from the lab to the field. Although challenges remain in bringing such technologies into operational capabilities, such as aligning them with mission needs and overcoming the “valley of death” between development and acquisition, work remains underway.
The DoD’s 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction represents the department’s proactive forward strategy within the ever-changing WMD threat landscape. The strategy leverages innovative ideas, joint initiatives, and a comprehensive defense posture to enable the U.S. and its allies to effectively counter current and future WMD threats. It highlights the need to incorporate innovative technologies and strategic partnerships to navigate the complexities of global security in the 21st century.
Johnny Franks holds an MA in U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security from American University and a BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College. With a specific interest in geopolitical security and military technology, Johnny has primarily focused his research and analysis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2014 onwards. As part of his MA coursework, Johnny contributed to developing an Arctic defense strategy in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense
