On December 30, 2023, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer appeared on Voice of America Korea to discuss how the United States’ strategy is evolving in response to North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. Soofer highlighted the United States’ multifaceted approach to missile defense including active defense measures, preemptive capabilities prior to missile launch, and nuclear deterrence through the threat of overwhelming retaliation. He stressed that the United States is well equipped to meet the ongoing threat and continues to develop its approach.
It’s making it clear to the North Koreans that any nuclear attack against the United States will not only be futile, because we will shoot down their missiles, but it will be fatal because they can expect a response.
Forward Defense, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.