The Sea-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear [SLCM-N] programme was proposed in 2018 by Donald Trump’s administration.

Mr Biden has decided against it in his forthcoming Nuclear Posture Review, which will set out his nuclear weapons strategy.

This week Admiral Charles Richard, head of US Strategic Command, wrote to Congress arguing the weapon was needed.

He said: “The current situation in Ukraine, and China’s nuclear trajectory, convinces me a deterrence and assurance gap exists.”

The missile was necessary to “deter adversaries, assure allies, and provide flexible options,” he said.

In a further split between Mr Biden and his most senior military commanders, US General Tod Wolters, Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has also backed the missile.