U.S. Falls Behind in Nuclear Arms Race as Russia and China Advance

By Jim Mishler | Thursday, 06 November 2025 08:15 PM EST

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer warned that Russia and China are outpacing the United States in nuclear weapons technology, citing significant advancements in modernization efforts. Speaking on “The Chris Salcedo Show,” Shaffer highlighted that both nations have developed a new generation of weapons with reduced radiation effects, calling for urgent U.S. action to close the gap.

“The technologies that are available to modernize how weapons are shaped, they’re deployed, and that sort of thing has changed greatly,” Shaffer said. “The Chinese and Russians have developed a new generation of weapons, which basically are virtually radiation-free regarding blast effect, which is significant. So we’ve got to catch up.”

Shaffer noted that Russia currently possesses more warheads than the U.S., with ongoing testing programs, while China is projected to expand its arsenal from 300 to 1,000 warheads by 2030. He criticized the lack of U.S. nuclear testing since 1992, comparing it to relying on outdated technology. “I don’t know of anybody who drives a car made in 1992. The technology has changed significantly,” he added.

Former President Donald Trump previously claimed the U.S. holds the largest nuclear stockpile, asserting that his administration modernized existing weapons during his first term. However, Shaffer suggested such claims overlook the rapid advancements by rival nations. “We can’t sit back,” he said, emphasizing the need for renewed focus on nuclear capabilities.