Former Nuclear Policy Director Defends Need for US Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons (warontherocks.com)

• Amato refutes Tilden's claim that the deterrence gap is imaginary, citing multiple independent reviews.
• US fielded W76-2 warhead; Congress in 2024 revived the nuclear SLCM.
• Tilden's argument undermines legitimate debate on nuclear posture.

"Paul Amato, former director for Nuclear Deterrence Policy, rebuts claims that the deterrence gap is imaginary, arguing that US low-yield nuclear capabilities are necessary to counter Russian and Chinese theater nuclear advantages. He cites the 2018 and 2022 Nuclear Posture Reviews, the 2023 Strategic Posture Commission, and Congress, all of which identified the same challenge. The W76-2 warhead was fielded, and the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) was resurrected by Congress in 2024. Amato defends former officials' right to speak publicly on the issue."