The Future of the Nuclear Triad and Modern Deterrence

Nuclear Triad

Commentary

Russia’s Sarmat test underscores need to modernize US nuclear triad

Russian President Putin’s behavior stands in stark contrast with the Biden administration’s decision to postpone and then cancel a launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM.

Commentary

Modernizing US nuclear deterrence presents a rare bipartisan opportunity

A former senator argues America’s intercontinental ballistic missiles are the foundation of nuclear deterrence, but that they must be modernized to remain effective.

Lawmakers set for battle over next-gen nuclear missile

Nuclear modernization opponents and defenders are gearing up to fight again this year over the future ICBM and other efforts.

Another ICBM test successful, Air Force says

The ICBM contained conventional explosives and successfully detonated above the water's surface near Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.

Washington’s battle over nuclear weapons budget already underway

The U.S. budget cycle is just getting started, but already Democrats and Republicans are in a war of words over whether to curb or continue the trajectory of spending on nuclear weapons modernization.

VIDEOS

Here's why America's next nuclear gravity bomb could be delayed

Dr. Charles Verdon, the head of defense programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, talks with Aaron Mehta about delays to the B61-12 nuclear bomb

Hagel on the state of the nuclear force

Hagel on the nuclear posture review

Nuclear modernization cost estimated at $1.2 trillion

A sneak peek at America’s future nuclear missiles

New Senate defense appropriations chairman talks nuclear modernization, defense cuts and earmarks

Defense News spoke with Sen. Jon Tester about his priorities as the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subpanel.

By Joe Gould

Examining international security at the nuclear nexus

Nuclear policy has largely developed independently of other defense policy communities. This has to change.

By Rebecca K.C. Hersman and Maxwell Simon

Next-gen ICBM program survives defunding attempt in House panel

The House Armed Services Committee has shot down a plan that would've slashed funding for the Air Force’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program.

By Joe Gould

Keep modernization of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program on track

Today, nuclear deterrence is more important than ever, which is why we must prioritize efforts to modernize the triad.

By Former U.S. Air Force secretaries and chiefs of staff

Air Force to start transforming tankers into WC-135 ‘nuke sniffers’ in FY19

What's better than two aircraft capable of identifying nuclear activity? Having three of them.

By Valerie Insinna

Trump administration repurposes $65 million for new nuclear warhead design

The proposed total cost for the W76-2 warhead will be $87.6 million in FY19.

By Aaron Mehta

US nuclear stockpile decreasing in size, but not capability

While the size of the U.S. stockpile is decreasing, the nuclear enterprise is diversifying delivery platforms to enhance U.S. deterrence and power projection.

By Daniel Cebul

Nuclear warhead manager seeks FY19 funding for new nuke designs

The agency in charge of America's nuclear warheads is trying to figure out a way to get money in the short term to help develop a low-yield nuclear warhead.

By Aaron Mehta

To deter Russia, US needs new low-yield nukes, says STRATCOM head

A proposal to develop a low-yield warhead for submarine-launched ballistic missiles could face scrutiny by Democrats.

By Valerie Insinna

DoD’s cost of low-yield nuclear warhead for submarines set at $48.5 million

The Pentagon expects it will spend less than $50 million over the next five years to develop a new nuclear capability -- but there may be other costs involved.

By Aaron Mehta

Interview: Senate Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chair Deb Fischer on Russia, space wars, and the state of the nuclear arsenal

Fischer oversees a national security portfolio that includes America’s nuclear arsenal, ballistic missile defense, national security space programs, and Department of Energy national security programs.

By Joe Gould

Is Russia influencing America’s nuclear debate? Mac Thornberry thinks they will.

Russia may already be influencing the debate about nuclear weapons, warns Rep. Mac Thornberry.

By Aaron Mehta

Coercive tactics? Putin touts Russia’s ‘invincible’ nuclear weapons

Russia's president claimed that Russia's new "invincible" missiles could overcome any present or future missile defense systems.

By Daniel Cebul

Nonstrategic nukes: What are they good for?

In the age of re-emerging great power competition, what is the strategic utility of low-yield nuclear weapons?

By Daniel Cebul

Nuclear Triad

Russian President Putin’s behavior stands in stark contrast with the Biden administration’s decision to postpone and then cancel a launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM.

A former senator argues America’s intercontinental ballistic missiles are the foundation of nuclear deterrence, but that they must be modernized to remain effective.

Nuclear modernization opponents and defenders are gearing up to fight again this year over the future ICBM and other efforts.

The ICBM contained conventional explosives and successfully detonated above the water's surface near Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.

The U.S. budget cycle is just getting started, but already Democrats and Republicans are in a war of words over whether to curb or continue the trajectory of spending on nuclear weapons modernization.

VIDEOS

Dr. Charles Verdon, the head of defense programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, talks with Aaron Mehta about delays to the B61-12 nuclear bomb

More Videos

More Stories

Defense News spoke with Sen. Jon Tester about his priorities as the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subpanel.

Nuclear policy has largely developed independently of other defense policy communities. This has to change.

The House Armed Services Committee has shot down a plan that would've slashed funding for the Air Force’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program.

Today, nuclear deterrence is more important than ever, which is why we must prioritize efforts to modernize the triad.

What's better than two aircraft capable of identifying nuclear activity? Having three of them.

The proposed total cost for the W76-2 warhead will be $87.6 million in FY19.

While the size of the U.S. stockpile is decreasing, the nuclear enterprise is diversifying delivery platforms to enhance U.S. deterrence and power projection.

The agency in charge of America's nuclear warheads is trying to figure out a way to get money in the short term to help develop a low-yield nuclear warhead.

A proposal to develop a low-yield warhead for submarine-launched ballistic missiles could face scrutiny by Democrats.

The Pentagon expects it will spend less than $50 million over the next five years to develop a new nuclear capability -- but there may be other costs involved.

Fischer oversees a national security portfolio that includes America’s nuclear arsenal, ballistic missile defense, national security space programs, and Department of Energy national security programs.

Russia may already be influencing the debate about nuclear weapons, warns Rep. Mac Thornberry.

Russia's president claimed that Russia's new "invincible" missiles could overcome any present or future missile defense systems.

In the age of re-emerging great power competition, what is the strategic utility of low-yield nuclear weapons?

Trending Now

Featured Video