Sea, Land, Air, and NC3: Modernizing the Whole Nuclear Enterprise

The United States is currently taking steps to modernize its nuclear enterprise and ensure that U.S. strategic forces are optimally postured to continue their deterrence mission and protect the United States from new and evolving threats. A key part of the nuclear enterprise is the nuclear command, control, and communication (NC3) system, designed to enable the president to decide when, where, and how to use nuclear weapons, among other functions. Modernization initiatives focused on NC3 are just as critical as efforts aimed at updating all three legs—sea, land, and air—of the triad.

To discuss these issues, please join the CSIS Aerospace Security Project and Project on Nuclear Issues on Tuesday, November 19 at 3:15pm EST for a fireside conversation with General Anthony J. Cotton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), on the modernization of U.S. strategic forces; current and future geostrategic challenges facing the United States; state of nuclear modernization efforts, including those related to the NC3 system; and the role of extended deterrence. The conversation will be kicked off with introductory remarks from Clayton Swope, Deputy Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow with the International Security Program, and the conversation will be moderated by Kari A. Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow with the International Security Program.

It will be followed by a panel featuring General (ret.) C. Robert Kehler, former Commander of USSTRATCOM; Michael Drews, Vice President for Global Situational Awareness and NC3 Advanced Capabilities & Mission Strategy, Lockheed Martin Space; and Sarah Mineiro, Senior Associate (non-resident) with the Aerospace Security Project. The panel will focus on NC3 modernization initiatives and discuss the important role that NC3 plays in the nuclear triad. It will be moderated by Dr. Heather Williams, Director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow with the International Security Program.

The event will be held at CSIS headquarters and livestreamed from this webpage. In-person attendees must register online and will be confirmed by CSIS staff via email. All in-person attendees are required to show a valid government ID upon entry.

This event is made possible by the support of Lockheed Martin Space.