The United States is overhauling its strategic nuclear force structure, modernising all three legs of its strategic triad, and updating the command-and-control (C2) and other infrastructure elements that integrate the US nuclear deterrent. The intent to reinforce deterrence through modernisation has been underpinned by funding commitments. Backing for such modernisation was evident in the fiscal year 2020 (FY 2020) budget approval, which covered the year from 1 October 2019, as well as the FY 2021 budget request, which will, as routine, be debated within the authorisation and appropriations process. Such budgetary plans are the latest financial and political steps taken in progressing the deterrent modernisation plans, which were originally outlined by the Obama administration and detailed more recently in the Trump administration's 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). Congressional approval for the FY 2020 budget underlines the political support for the Trump administration's plans, with the FY 2021 budget request evincing the continuing presidential and Department of Defense (DoD) commitment to the nuclear modernisation programme, including by funding elements such as warhead life extensions and the work of nuclear weapon laboratories.
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