STRATCOM chief: US has 'no defense' against Russian cruise missiles

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NATO and the United States have "no defense" against land-based cruise missiles if Russia deploys them in any quantity, the chief of US Strategic Command told senators, arguing the US must respond to Russian threat "from the position of strength."

Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday to report on STRATCOM programs, Air Force General John E. Hyten argued for fully funding the modernization of the US "nuclear triad" lest the American atomic arsenal fall behind the weapons developed by Russia, China and North Korea.

Senators appeared particularly interested in Russian nuclear capability, which Hyten described as "a primary element of their overall national security strategy."

"We have to meet strength with strength," he told the committee, as one never wants to negotiate with potential adversary from...