US Army Budget Statement on Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Violent Extremist Organizations

Bayanalysis - “We will ensure that we remain fully prepared to effectively respond to and deter nation-state threats emanating from Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and disrupt the threats of transnational and non-state actors from violent extremist organizations, such as those operating in the East, Africa, and South and Central Asia.” Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin.

Although China is a rapid threat to the combined force, the United States must maintain the forces and capabilities necessary to deter and defend against persistent threats beyond the Indo-Pacific region. Russia remains a permanent and capable adversary who continues to disdain international norms, violates the territorial integrity of its neighbors and the sovereignty of national elections, and pursues its goals using hybrid tactics and nuclear coercion.

Strong military modernization and training have been programmed to ensure that Russia continues to develop its asymmetric capabilities, conventional lethal force, and nuclear deterrence with the intent of limiting U.S. response options. The Department of Defense also faces persistent threats from the North Korean regime's nuclear weapons program, offensive electronic tools, and other destabilizing activities aimed at entrenching regime security and developing the rogue state's regional and international influence.

Iran's destabilizing activities and pursuit of both conventional and unconventional capabilities pose threats to our forces and partners in the Middle East. Finally, despite the decline of violent extremist organizations globally, they continue to pose transnational and regional threats to the United States and our allies and partners.