Pentagon Moves Ahead With A New Low-Yield Nuclear Weapon

One of two Trident II D5 missiles tested June 2 by the U.S. Navy. Photo: U.S. Navy

Warrior Maven: Pentagon Moves Ahead With New Low-Yield Nuclear Weapon, Amid Resurgent Debate

The Pentagon has completed initial draft plans for several emerging low-yield sea-launched nuclear weapons

Despite a resurgence in debate about the rationale for adding new low-yield nuclear weapons, Pentagon weapons developers are maintaining the current developmental course for the new program. Earlier this year, DoD nuclear weapons experts completed initial draft plans for several emerging low-yield sea-launched nuclear weapons intended to deter potential attackers and add new precision strike options to those currently possible with the existing arsenal.

While final requirements for both a low-yield sea-launched nuclear cruise missile and long-range sub-launched low-yield warhead are still in development, Pentagon officials told Warrior Maven earlier this year that the process has taken several substantial new steps forward.

Read more ....

Update: Why the United States needs low-yield nuclear weapons to deal with emerging threats (Jon Kyl and Michael Morell, Dallas News)

WNU Editor: I cannot help but feel that we are at the cusp of a new nuclear arms race. But unlike the first Cold War, this arms race will involve multiple countries .... i.e. U.S./Russia/India/China/Pakistan/etc....