Multipolar nuclear deterrence strategy and theater-range nuclear capabilities

(a) Authorization of additional theater-range nuclear capabilities (1) New or modified nuclear weapon Consistent with the requirements established under section 6120 of title 10, United States Code, and subject to the availability of appropriations or funds otherwise made available, the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrator for Nuclear Security, may establish not more than 2 programs for the research, development, and production of new or modified nuclear weapons, if— (A) one such weapon is primarily intended to be delivered by a surface-launched system; and (B) one such weapon is primarily intended to be delivered by an air-launched system. (2) New or modified nuclear weapon delivery system Subject to the availability of appropriations or funds otherwise made available, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to direct one or more of the military departments to establish not more than two programs for the research, development, and production of new or modified nuclear weapons delivery systems, if— (A) one such weapon delivery system is primarily intended to be surface-launched; and (B) one such weapon is primarily intended to be air-launched. (b) Report on multipolar nuclear deterrence strategy (1) Requirement Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commander of United States Strategic Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on a revised strategy of the Department of Defense (referred to in this subsection as the Department) for deterring multiple nuclear-armed adversaries. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a comprehensive assessment of the implications of a multipolar nuclear environment for the deterrence strategy of the United States, including explicit assumptions used for force planning; (B) a detailed description of how the Department plans to adapt the nuclear forces, posture, and operational concepts of the United States to deter simultaneous or sequential coercion or aggression by multiple nuclear-armed adversaries; (C) a rigorous analysis of current and projected adversary nuclear force structures, doctrines, and targeting strategies, including implications for the sufficiency and survivability of the United States force; (D) a specific explanation of the methodology used by the Department to determine the quantity and types of adversary targets that must be held at risk, including how such requirements change under two-peer deterrence scenarios; (E) an identification of current and projected gaps in the nuclear capabilities of the United States, including theater-range systems, non-strategic nuclear options, and flexible response capabilities; (F) a plan, with associated timelines and resource requirements, to address identified capability gaps; (G) a detailed assessment of the role of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile and any additional theater nuclear capabilities in strengthening regional and extended deterrence; (H) an evaluation of the resilience, survivability, and adaptability of nuclear command, control, and communications systems under conditions of simultaneous peer conflict; (I) an assessment of the strategic and operational risks associated with maintaining a nuclear posture primarily optimized for a bipolar environment; and (J) recommendations for legislative, budgetary, or policy changes required to implement the strategy. (3) Form The report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (c) Annual implementation briefings (1) Requirement Not later than 90 days after the submission of the report required by subsection (b), and annually thereafter until September 30, 2032, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall brief the congressional defense committees on their joint efforts to implement the conclusions and recommendations of the strategy described in subsection (b). (2) Elements At a minimum, each briefing should address— (A) the adequacy and effectiveness of the strategy in deterring nuclear and non-nuclear strategic attacks against the Unites States and its allies; (B) progress in incorporating any adjustments to the role of nuclear forces in United States defense policies and military strategy; (C) current and projected nuclear force structure requirements for achieving national and military objectives; (D) completed and projected adjustments to the nuclear weapons stockpile necessary to achieve national and military objectives; (E) nuclear weapons development, production and sustainment capability and capacity requirements necessary to achieve and maintain desired nuclear weapons stockpile quantities and attributes; (F) ongoing or planned threat reduction activities contributing to the achievement of national and military objectives; and (G) other related activities or relevant topics, as determined necessary by the Under Secretaries or the Vice Chairman.