The Pentagon insists it is not arms racing but is responding to Russia's initiative.
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The United States administration has announced plans to update its nuclear arsenal.
The update will include long range and sea-launched missiles.
The plans come in direct response to actions taken by Russia's military, including its 2014 annexation of Crimea.
USA Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan, speaking at the Pentagon unveiling said:
"Since the end of the Cold War the United States has worked to reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons, but the world looks different since the last NPR - Nuclear Posture Review- in 2010.
The challenging and dynamic security environment requires steady action to strengthen deterrence."
There is a notable change of tone from the 2010 nuclear report which emphasised reducing nuclear stockpiles worldwide, led by the USA.
The main message from this report is that the USA wants to match its nuclear capabilities with Russia.
Although Greg Weaver, deputy director of strategic capabilities in the Pentagon, insists the USA is not arms racing.