An effective nuclear deterrent to prevent attacks on the United States from countries armed with nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is a national security imperative. Since the end of the cold war, traditional nuclear powers, new nuclear powers and the potential for non-state actors to acquire nuclear weapons makes a reliable, flexible and ready nuclear deterrent force more vital than ever.

The U.S. nuclear triad of land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers is a deterrent force which for decades has provided a survivable and manifestly-capable deterrent.  The triad has shown, in its combination of basing modes, delivery systems, and warhead types, an overall capability which ensures that no enemy attack could prevent effective U.S. retaliation.