Tulsi Gabbard, while presenting the United States’ 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to lawmakers, highlighted growing concerns over advanced missile development by several countries, including China and Pakistan. She stated that nations such as Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are actively working on new and improved missile systems capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. 

According to US intelligence, these developments are significant enough that parts of the American mainland could now fall within their strike range. 

Gabbard pointed out that China and Russia are focusing on sophisticated missile technologies designed to bypass or overcome US defence systems. Meanwhile, North Korea already possesses intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States and continues to expand its nuclear arsenal. 

Regarding Pakistan, she noted that its long-range ballistic missile programme could eventually include systems with the capability to strike US territory. 

She also warned about increasing cooperation between some of these countries, particularly North Korea, Russia, and China, suggesting that such alignments could further impact global security dynamics. Overall, the assessment underscores rising global missile threats and highlights growing challenges to US national security from multiple regions.

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