The Defense Primer: Strategic Nuclear Forces report, submitted to the U.S. Congress and shared with the public on January 2, 2026, has been published. The report sets out the United States’ current nuclear force structure, budget requests, and ongoing modernization programs. Prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) and published by USNI News, the report emphasizes that the nuclear triad structure, which forms the foundation of U.S. strategic nuclear deterrence, continues to be maintained. This structure, consisting of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bomber aircraft, remains at the center of U.S. defense strategy.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request and Modernization Processes
According to the report, which includes details on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget requests, the U.S. administration is seeking approximately USD 60 billion in funding for strategic nuclear forces and nuclear infrastructure activities. This budget is planned to be used for the sustainment of existing nuclear weapons, the modernization of strategic forces, and the maintenance of the nuclear weapons infrastructure. The report states that the United States is conducting a highly comprehensive modernization process covering all elements of the nuclear triad. Within this framework, land-based ICBM systems, ballistic missile submarines, strategic bomber aircraft, and Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems are being addressed simultaneously under modernization programs.
Treaty Obligations and Congressional Oversight
The report also addresses international treaties and oversight processes, noting that the United States is acting in accordance with its obligations under the New START Treaty and that deployed strategic nuclear forces remain within the treaty limits. The CRS-prepared report underlines that the costs, timelines, and implementation processes of modernization programs for nuclear forces continue to be closely monitored by Congress.
Source: C4Defence / USNI News
