The Defense Department has characterized the intermediate-range ballistic missile as “experimental” in that it’s the first time a weapon of its kind has been used on the battlefield in Ukraine, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said.
Multiple nuclear peer adversaries challenge the security of the U.S. and its allies and partners, according to the Defense Department.
Over the past three years, the Defense Department’s budget has increased from $700 billion to $850 billion.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III laid out a new Defense Department vision for ensuring a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific through enhanced collaboration among Southeast Asian nations as he met with key defense leaders in Laos.
