US Missile Defense Not Meant to Offset Balance With Russia, China - US General

US missile defense systems are not meant to disrupt the strategic balance with Russia and China, US Air Force General John Hyten, the nominee to head US Strategic Command (STRATCOM), said in congressional testimony on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The strategic nuclear triad, consisting of missiles, submarines and bombers, will remain the US primary deterrent against nuclear powers such as Russia and China, Hyten explained.

"[US] missile defenses are not intended to offset the strategic balance with Russian or Chinese strategic forces and are not designed to protect the US homeland against large scale nuclear ballistic missile strikes," Hyten stated.

Hyten said he supports the Phased Adaptive Approach to missile defense in Europe, which would help protect US allies against any threats from Iran.